Jacob Duffy Sets New Record and Looks Forward to Upcoming Tours
Duffy Breaks Hadlee's Record
New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy has surpassed the legendary Richard Hadlee's record for the most wickets taken by a Kiwi bowler in a single calendar year. He expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming tours to India, England, and Australia.
World Test Championship Aspirations
Following a successful start to their World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 campaign with a 2-0 series victory over the West Indies, Duffy is eager to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. Currently, New Zealand holds the second position in the standings with two wins and one draw. The team is set to face a challenging schedule, including a home series against India and significant tours to England and Australia. These matches are crucial for a team that was the first-ever WTC champion, as they aim for another title.
Excitement for Upcoming Series
"It's fantastic to have Test cricket against India at home; that's a major series," Duffy remarked, as reported by ICC. "It's thrilling for the team, and I've been on two and a half tours to England without playing, so the prospect of participating there and in Australia is incredibly exciting. These are the pinnacle moments in your career, especially in Test cricket."
A Record-Breaking Season
Duffy's impressive performance this season has established him as New Zealand's leading pace bowler, particularly during a time when injuries have affected the team's regular bowlers. With key players like Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, and Will O'Rourke sidelined, Duffy has consistently risen to the occasion, leading the bowling attack in the recent Test match at Mount Maunganui.
His statistics reflect his impact, as he has taken 81 wickets across all formats this year, breaking Hadlee's long-standing record of 79 wickets set in 1985. Duffy's skillful swing and precision allowed him to adapt effectively to the challenging conditions at Bay Oval, where he achieved significant success against a West Indies team that had recently managed a remarkable draw in Christchurch.
Enjoying the Journey
"I'm simply enjoying my career; I don't tend to view things too broadly," Duffy stated after clinching the series victory. "It's been an incredible journey, albeit challenging with so many bowlers injured, which has increased the workload significantly."
"However, I see it as a privilege that skipper Tom Latham continues to trust me to bowl. I aim to keep delivering strong performances, which is my focus right now," he added.
Duffy concluded the three-match Test series with an impressive tally of 23 wickets at an average of 15.43, setting a new New Zealand record for the most wickets in a single home Test series, surpassing Trent Boult.
Duffy's Role in New Zealand's Future
As New Zealand approaches a pivotal phase in the WTC cycle, Duffy's emergence as a key player positions him as a vital asset in their aspirations for red-ball cricket success.