Standing tall at a staggering six feet and eight inches (2.03 metre), Kyle Jamieson first grabbed limelight when was included in the New Zealand squad of the One-Day International (ODI) series against India. While his bowling capabilities was still unknown on the international circuit, Jamieson did get attention after becoming New Zealand's tallest cricketer in history, taller than Kiwis batting coach Peter Fulton (6'6). 

After sitting out in the 1st ODI, Jamieson was handed his international debut in the second match where he bagged two wickets including the brilliant in-swinger to send Prithvi Shaw back into the hut. The third and final ODI saw him taking just one wicket, after he castled Mayank Agarwal's stumps, but his bowling skillset was hard to overlook. 

Move over Two Metre Peter! Meet NZ's *new* tallest cricketer Kyle Jamieson 2.03 metres (6'8) in jandals #FordTrophy pic.twitter.com/eLbZFMWz4U

A seamer of Morne Morkel's mould, only taller by three inches, Jamieson has an ability to extract extra bounce and swing the ball at will which was touted to trouble prominent right-handers in the Indian line-up. But, that's not all. The 25-year-old, despite his inexperience internationally, has proved his understanding of the game as a bowler to trouble the opposition with testing line and length - something that was on full display during Day 1 of the 1st Test between India and New Zealand. 

The lanky seamer would likely have not played the clash at the Basin Reserve if Neil Wagner, away on paternity leave, had been available. But, on his Test debut, Jamieson might have left an indelible mark on the match and probably the series with the wickets of Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Hanuma Vihari on Day 1. 

© Twitter/@BLACKCAPS

Jamieson welcomed Kohli with a short ball, so short that it was deemed a wide by the on-field umpire. In his next over, he bowled a couple of short balls before following it up with a fuller delivery. His first full-length delivery to Kohli was too straight which further allowed the Indian captain to work it for a couple. 

Whether itâs James Anderson Or Jamieson Virat Kohli Getting Out Nicking One To The Slips is Permanent.
Imagine Reaching To The Ball Wayyy Outside Off So Early in The First Session Of The Game.
Poor From @imVkohli #NZvIND ?? pic.twitter.com/XK1YYVDcOA

But, on the next occasion, he bowled a wide length ball, the troubling channel for Kohli. Unable to stop himself from following the delivery, Kohli, despite being mindful of the bounce, couldn't help but edge it to first slip where Ross Taylor did the rest. 

NZ players on Test debut to dismiss the current #1 ranked batsman
1949 - Harry Cave (Denis Compton)
1949 - Fen Cresswell (Denis Compton)
1951 - Alex Moir (Len Hutton)
2010 - Andy McKay (Sachin Tendulkar)
2020 - KYLE JAMIESON (Virat Kohli)

@BLACKCAPS #NZvsIND

While Agarwal and Ajinkya Rahane immediately got to rebuilding the innings, Jamieson, after the drinks break, got back to haunt the visitors with his impressive bowling. He drew blood again with what looked like a repeat of the Pujara dismissal, only this time getting rid of Hanuma Vihari (7) to have India reeling at 101/5. 

He nearly grabbed his fourth wicket after bouncing Rahane with a mean short of a length delivery. But, despite taking his eyes off the ball and throwing his bat up in self-defence, Rahane was fairly lucky the ball lobbed to safety. From initially being aggressive to batting solidly, a change in approach from Rahane allowed him to weather the storm as he continued to play the ball late and with soft hands, stitching a much-needed 21-run partnership with Rishabh Pant (10*) at Stumps. 

First Test cap ??
Three wickets, including Virat Kohli ??
Bowling with the wind ??

"No complaints" from Kyle Jamieson, as you'd expect ??#NZvIND pic.twitter.com/TAoDeqV4VH

On a day that saw the Indian batting unit ducking for cover, Jamieson was arguably the brightest star in the New Zealand bowling attack. His impressive spell of 3-38 which included prized wickets of Pujara, Kohli and Vihari didn't just allow the home side to gain a crucial upper-hand, but also allowed Jamieson to establish his reputation as a brilliant seam-bowling option for the Kiwis.

View the full article