The 37-year-old Neil Wagner’s unexpected retirement from international cricket at a press conference alongside Stead at Basin Reserve in Wellington on Tuesday after he had not been included in New Zealand’s squad for the match against Australia test series and also would not be a part of the playing XI for the first Test in Wellington. Wagner will then be released from the New Zealand squad for the second Test in Christchurch.
Neil has declared his retirement from international cricket and shared the news just before New Zealand‘s two-match Test series against Australia at home. The left-arm bowler concludes his career with a tally of 260 Test wickets across 64 Test appearances.
Among New Zealand’s top Test wicket-takers, he concludes his Test career ranked fifth with Sir Richard Hadlee (431), Tim Southee (376), Daniel Vettori (361), and Trent Boult (317) ahead of him.
Wagner concludes his career ranked fifth overall among New Zealand’s leading wicket-takers. He achieved a total of nine five-wicket hauls during his Test career, achieving his career-best figures of 7/39 against the West Indies in Wellington in late 2017.
Neil Wagner’s retirement from international cricket
Additionally, Wagner played a significant role in New Zealand’s victory in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship title. The pacer contributed three wickets in the match where New Zealand defeated India by eight wickets in Southampton in 2021.
Test Match
Test Debut – West Indies vs New Zealand at North Sound – July 25 – 29, 2012
Last Test match played – New Zealand vs South Africa at Hamilton – February 13 – 16, 2024
Total Test Match played – 64
Total innings – 122
Total Wickets – 260
Economy – 3.13
Average – 27.57
T20I
T20I debut – Otago vs Canterbury at Dunedin – February 04, 2009
Last T20I match played – Canterbury vs Northern Dis at Hamilton – January 18, 2024
Total T20I played – 86
Total Wickets – 95
Economy – 8.62
Average – 26.13
Neil Wagner said in a press conference,
“It’s been an emotional week.”
“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 Black Caps 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.”
“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,” Stead noted.”
“His accuracy, execution and tenacity has been instrumental in many of our great Test victories and he will always be remembered for his lion-hearted nature.”
“Neil gave absolutely everything to the Black Caps and we are certainly going to miss his energy and ‘never give in’ attitude.”
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