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New Zealand fast bowler Neil Wagner announced retirement from international cricket after an illustrious career where he won the maiden ICC World Test Championship in 2021 against India. The Kiwi speedster was extremely emotional as he shared this news ahead of the two-game home Test series against Australia.
Wagner wasn't picked for the first Test at the Cello Basin Reserve and will be released from the squad ahead of the second Test in Christchurch. Wagner will finish his career as the fifth wicket-taker in New Zealand’s Test cricket history with 260 wickets, at an average of 27. He also has a strike rate of 52 which is only bettered by the great Sir Richard Hadlee (50) of New Zealanders with more than 100 Test wickets.
I hope that’s the legacy I will leave: Neil Wagner
As the 37-year-old pace-bowler came forward to share the news in a press conference before the opening Test, he thanked his teammates, his family and New Zealand Cricket for their contributions to his career. But as Wagner went through his announcement, he got emotional and was in tears.
“It’s been an emotional week,” Wagner reflected. “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. I’ve enjoyed every single moment of playing Test cricket for the Blackcaps and am proud of everything we’ve been able to achieve as a team."
“The friendships and bonds built over my career are what I’ll cherish the most and I want to thank everyone who’s played a part in where I am today. My teammates have always meant the world to me and all I’ve ever wanted to do was what was best for the team - I hope that’s the legacy I will leave.
“I’d like to thank my wife Lana for her support in helping me be the man I am today and for helping bring our two little girls Olivia and Zahli, and our boy Josh into the world. I’m looking forward to one final week in camp and will be doing everything I can to help prepare and support the boys.”