Neil Wagner © Gallo Images
New Zealand paceman Neil Wagner on Tuesday called time on a career of 64 Tests after being informed he would not be selected for the upcoming series against Australia, finishing fifth in the country with 260 casualties. He declined the position of wicket-taker, which is often the case.
Wagner was selected for the two home Tests against Pat Cummins' side Australia, but was told by head coach Gary Stead that he would not play in either match.
The South African-born 37-year-old fought back tears at a press conference at Wellington's Basin Reserve as he and Stead announced their retirement from international cricket.
“It's been an emotional week,” said Wagner, a fan-favorite and passionate left-arm swing bowler.
“It's not easy to walk away from something that I've given so much to and gained so much from, but now it's time for others to step up and take this team forward.
“To all the New Zealanders and fans, I can't thank you enough for your support, for making me feel welcome and for making me feel like a New Zealander.”
Neil Wagner is coming to the end of a remarkable career that saw him play 64 Tests.
The 37-year-old will not be in the starting XI for the first Test against Australia and will be dropped from the match. @BLACKCAPS The team is preparing for the second test.
What is your favorite Wags moment? pic.twitter.com/iCrsFRHXRQ
— SENZ (@SENZ_Radio) February 27, 2024
Wagner, who was born and raised in Pretoria and finished 12th for South Africa in two Tests, moved to New Zealand in 2008 and helped lead his native New Zealand to number one in the world rankings, winning the inaugural World Test Championship title in 2021. contributed to.
Wagner has just completed a four-year hiatus from international cricket to qualify for New Zealand.
Bowling for Otago against Wellington, he became the first player to take five wickets in six balls in first-class cricket.
He made his Test debut against the West Indies in 2012, but took time to find his feet at the highest level, spending almost a year in the outerwear between 2014 and 2015.
After regaining his position, Wagner not only handled the ball, but played a memorable role in several wins.
In the home summer of 2018, he helped New Zealand win their first Test series in almost 20 years against England, and in the second Test in Christchurch he was part of an epic rearguard with Ish Sodhi, knocking 7 on 103 balls. He scored a run and won the game.
He upset England again last year, taking four wickets in the fourth innings in the classic Wellington Test, where the series was tied 1-1, securing a one-run victory.
He retired with a bowling average of 27.57 runs and a strike rate of 52, bettered only by Richard Hadley, 50, who took more than 100 Test wickets among New Zealanders.
Wagner will continue to play first-class cricket, but said it was the right time to take a break from Tests.
“Sometimes people say that thinking about retirement kind of messes you up,” he added.
“It's never easy. It's an emotional road. It's a big roller coaster, but now is a good place to pass that baton and for the rest of us to take over that Black Cap and hopefully grow their legacy.” It’s time to leave it behind.”
