The hard-working and sturdy New Zealand fast bowler Neil Wagner has introduced his retirement from take a look at cricket at 37. File
| Photo Credit: AP
An emotional Neil Wagner introduced his retirement from international cricket on February 27, after the fast bowler was not noted of New Zealand’s crew for the primary Test in opposition to Australia this week.
Wagner fought again tears as he advised reporters he had determined to name time on a 64-Test profession after New Zealand Cricket mentioned he wouldn’t be within the aspect for Thursday’s match in Wellington.
“It’s never an easy time to do something like this, but the time has obviously come,” mentioned the 37-year-old Wagner, who has taken 260 Test wickets.
“It’s been amazing to represent the Black Caps. It’s been some of the proudest moments of my life.
Fiery short-ball specialist Wagner said he would leave the squad before the start of next week’s second Test in Christchurch.
“I’m wanting ahead to at least one remaining week in camp and shall be doing every little thing I can to assist put together and help the boys,” he said.
Wagner cited last year’s one-run victory over England in Wellington, where he took the last wicket to draw the series, as among his career highlights along with winning the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021.
“I’ve loved each single second of enjoying take a look at cricket for the Black Caps and am happy with every little thing we have been in a position to obtain as a crew,” he said.
Wagner made his New Zealand debut in 2012 after arriving from his native South Africa four years earlier.
“To the New Zealand public and the followers, I can not thanks sufficient, on your help, for making me really feel welcome, for making me really feel like a Kiwi,” said Wagner.
Only Richard Hadlee, current captain Tim Southee, Daniel Vettori and Trent Boult have taken more Test wickets for New Zealand than Wagner.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said on Tuesday that Wagner was “one of many greats”.
“He has been by means of an unimaginable period and been an enormous cog of the bowling assault through the years.
“We’ll remember his lion-heartedness, the way he just kept finding a way to make something happen.”
