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Amidst the Test series between New Zealand and Australia, a controversy has been brewing around the retirement of celebrated fast bowler Neil Wagner. After the Kiwi speedster called it time ahead of the two-match Test series, former Blackcaps' batter Ross Taylor made a shocking comment about Wagner being forced to take this decision.
Addressing this startling statement, New Zealand batting great Kane Williamson shut down Taylor's claims and deemed the past week an incredible time as everyone reflected on Wagner's resilient career. He further revealed that the team had amazing moments in the dressing room.
Do not think anybody is forced to retire: Kane Williamson
Speaking ahead of the second Test against Australia, a must-win match starting from Friday, Williamson said, "I do not think anybody is forced to retire. I think last week, he had a fantastic week and it was reflecting on what was an incredible career. We had some amazing moments in the dressing room. It did not go perfectly. Obviously, an on-field performance would have helped but it was so much more than that. He has just done such incredible things for this team."
"And we have seen the skill that he has and the numbers that everybody sees but the heart and soul and effort that he has brought to the side and largely led through that for so long has been incredible. It was quite a special week for that reason and I think he had a really amazing time sharing that with the side," he concluded.
I think it is a forced retirement: Ross Taylor
Coming back to Taylor's comments, the Kiwi middle-order star was speaking on ESPN's Around The Wicket podcast. He said, "I think it all makes sense a little bit now. There is no sugarcoating it: I think it is a forced retirement. If you listen to Wagner's press conference, he was retiring, but it was after this last Test match [against Australia]. So he did make himself available."