International cricket bids farewell to Wagner. New Zealand paceman Neil Wagner has announced his retirement from international cricket. New Zealand is set to face Australia in an upcoming Test series. The selectors have informed Wagner that he won’t be part of this series. Therefore, Wagner announced his retirement with pride.
After a tough discussion with coach Gary Stead last week, the 37-year-old Wagner made this emotional decision. It’s certain that he won’t be part of New Zealand’s best eleven against Australia in the upcoming Test series. He announced his retirement after receiving a call-up for the first Test in Wellington’s Basin Reserve on Tuesday.
Born in South Africa, Wagner made New Zealand his cricketing home. He played 64 Test matches wearing the Kiwi jersey. He was one of New Zealand’s fiercest pace bowlers in the white jersey, boasting a strike rate of just 52.7, averaging 27.57, and taking 260 wickets. Among New Zealand bowlers, only Sir Richard Hadlee has a better Test strike rate, having taken over 100 wickets.
Wagner said, “I knew the time was coming. They say when you start thinking about retirement, you become a different beast. I knew the time would come, and it’s come close. Last week, reflecting on the future and the upcoming Test matches, I felt it was the right time to step aside and allow others to come through and enhance what we’ve been building as a team for quite a few years.”
“It’s never easy. It’s an emotional rollercoaster. It’s a big roller coaster ride. But it’s something that I think is a batsman passing through. And I hope that they’ll leave that black cap in a good place for others to come through and hopefully take it to another level.”
Initially, Wagner was not in consideration for the Australia series. However, New Zealand selectors later invited the fast bowler to be part of the first Test against Australia, although he won’t play in the eleven.
Wagner said, “I wasn’t here. I think it’s a lovely gesture from the team… they invited me here, invited me to spend this time with them and invited me to enjoy this time with them and have invited me to help prepare for the series against Australia and it’s been truly amazing, and the camaraderie and the team and everyone and Gary’s put into this has been truly, absolutely fantastic.”
“And I thought I’ve always tried to be here, be with the team, be here, have a smile on my face and do everything I can to serve the boys. And I just thought that’s right, and it’s a fantastic way to end my career. I have to say, extremely grateful to the team and everyone and Gary for allowing me to do that.”
Wagner thanked his family, friends, coaches, and mentors who supported him throughout his journey, tearing up with gratitude. He said he hoped that the people of New Zealand would remember him as someone who gave his all for the team.
Wagner said, “I’ve said it in the past as well, I’ve never seen myself as the most talented cricketer. I’ve always seen myself as someone who loves the game and loves playing for this team, loves playing for my teammates and loves playing for that black cap and I’ve always enjoyed that and I’ve always preferred playing for my teammates and playing for that black cap and I’ve always worn my heart on my sleeve. I know I’ve had to work extremely hard and find different ways and different methods.”
