New Zealand fast bowler Neil Wagner has decided to retire from international cricket.
Throughout his 12-year career in Test cricket, the 37-year-old played in 64 Test matches representing New Zealand.
Despite being named in the New Zealand squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Australia, he will not feature in the New Zealand starting XI for the first Test scheduled to commence on Thursday (February 29) in Wellington.
He will be released from the squad ahead of the second Test in Christchurch.
Wagner will finish his Test career fifth on the list of New Zealand’s top wicket takers with 260 wickets.
The great Sir Richard Hadlee is the only New Zealander who has a better strike rate (50) than him (52), among those who have taken more than 100 Test wickets.
Born in South Africa, he moved to New Zealand to play domestic cricket for Otago in 2008. Later, he relocated to Papamoa in 2018 to represent the Northern Districts.
Wagner stated that while the decision to retire was difficult, it became apparent that it was the appropriate time to move on.
“It’s been an emotional week,” Wagner said. “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.”
