A 37-year-old cricketer from New Zealand, Neil Wagner retires from international cricket. This decision comes after he was informed by the selectors that he would not be part of the upcoming two-Test series against Australia starting this Thursday.
Neil Wagner made this emotional choice after a conversation with coach Gary Stead last week, confirming he wasn’t in the best XI for the series against Australia. He officially announced his retirement at a press conference with Stead at Basin Reserve in Wellington on Tuesday, even though he was initially invited to be part of the squad for the first Test.
Having played 64 Tests for New Zealand after moving from South Africa, Wagner took 260 wickets at an average of 27.57 with a good strike rate of 52.7. Among New Zealand bowlers with over 100 wickets, only Sir Richard Hadlee has a better Test strike rate.
Neil Wagner will continue to play first-class cricket, but he believes it’s the right time to step away from the Test arena. He leaves as the fifth-highest Test wicket-taker for the Kiwis, leaving a notable mark with his 260 wickets at an average of 27.57.
Informing about his retirement during the press conference Neil Wagner said, “It’s been an emotional week,” said South African-born Wagner, who played 64 Tests and made his debut in 2012.
“It’s not easy to step away from something you’ve given so much to and got so much out of, but it’s now time for others to step up and take this team forward.
“To the New Zealand public and the fans, I can’t thank you enough, for your support, for making me feel welcome, for making me feel like a Kiwi.”
Gary Stead shared his thoughts on Wagner’s retirement mentioning that “Neil’s numbers are phenomenal, but I don’t think we can underestimate his contributions to the team when the chips were down and he found a way to create a wicket. His accuracy, execution and tenacity have been instrumental in many of our great Test victories and he will always be remembered for his lion-hearted nature,”
After waiting for four years to become eligible to play for New Zealand, Wagner achieved a remarkable feat in first-class cricket. While playing for Otago against Wellington, he became the first player to take five wickets in six balls.
Wagner started his test career in 2012 against the West Indies, but it took him some time to get used to the highest level of cricket. He faced a challenging period from 2014 to 2015, spending nearly a year away from the team.
However, after regaining his spot, Wagner played crucial roles in many victories, not just as a bowler.
Despite being selected for the two-match series against Australia, Wagner announced his retirement at Basin Reserve in Wellington just before the first Test on Wednesday. He will leave the squad before the second Test in Christchurch.
His final match was in the second Test against South Africa earlier this month, where the Black Caps won by seven wickets, securing a 2-0 series win.
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