On Tuesday, Neil Wagner, a fast bowler for the Blackcaps from New Zealand, announced his retirement from the game after 64 Test matches.
Neil Wagner, a New Zealand fast bowler, announced his retirement from international cricket on Tuesday after an amazing 64-Test career with the Blackcaps. The left-armer finishes his Test career as New Zealand’s seventh highest wicket-taker. The 37-year-old pacer made the emotional decision during a painful conversation with coach Gary Stead last week, when it became evident that he would not be in New Zealand’s starting XI for the upcoming series against Australia. The pacer was appointed to New Zealand’s team to face Australia, but he was not selected for the first Test in Wellington and will be dropped from the squad for the second Test at Christchurch.
Although Wagner acknowledged that deciding to retire was not an easy decision, it was clear that the time had come to move on.
We’ve had a really emotional week. It is not easy to leave something you have invested so much in and benefited so much from, but it is now the turn of others to lead this team. I’ve had an absolute blast playing Test cricket for the Black Caps, and I’m proud of all our team has accomplished together. I will always treasure the relationships and friendships I’ve made along the way, and I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has helped me get to this point in my career,” Wagner said in a statement.
Although Wagner acknowledged that deciding to retire was not an easy decision, it was clear that the time had come to move on.
We’ve had a really emotional week. It is not easy to leave something you have invested so much in and benefited so much from, but it is now the turn of others to lead this team. I’ve had an absolute blast playing Test cricket for the Black Caps, and I’m proud of all our team has accomplished together. I will always treasure the relationships and friendships I’ve made along the way, and I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has helped me get to this point in my career,” Wagner said in a statement.
The 37-year-old speed bowler will be removed from the squad prior to the second Test in Christchurch and will not be included in the starting XI for the first Test at the Cello Basin Reserve.
With 260 wickets at an average of 27, Wagner will rank seventh in New Zealand’s all-time leading Test wicket takers at the end of his career.
Only the legendary Sir Richard Hadlee (50), a New Zealander who has claimed over 100 Test wickets, has a higher strike rate than him at 52.
Wagner’s influence transcended numbers, according to New Zealand coach Gary Stead, who also praised the pacer’s unselfish approach throughout his career.
“I think we shouldn’t undervalue Neil’s contributions to the team when things were tough and he managed to produce a wicket, even though his stats are incredible. Stead stated, “His lion-hearted nature will always be remembered. His accuracy, execution, and tenacity have been instrumental in many of our great Test victories.”
“Neil gave absolutely everything to the BLACKCAPS and we are certainly going to miss his energy and ‘never give in’ attitude,” he said.
