Neil Wagner, a New Zealand pacer, has retired from international cricket

New Delhi: In his 12-year Test career, New Zealand speedster Neil Wagner played 64 Test matches before announcing his retirement from international cricket. On the eve of New Zealand’s home two-match Test series against Australia, Wagner broke the news. The 37-year-old will be cut from the squad prior to the second Test in Christchurch and will not be included in the starting XI for the first Test at the Cello Basin Reserve.

With 260 wickets at an average of 27, he will rank fifth in New Zealand’s all-time top Test wicket takers at the end of his career. In the 32 Test matches that Wagner won, he took 143 wickets at an average of 22.

The left-arm pacer made his BlackCaps debut in 2012 and went on to lead the team to the top of the ICC Test world rankings and the 2021 title in the first-ever ICC World Test Championship.

Although Wagner acknowledged that it was not an easy decision to retire, it was evident that the time had come to move on.

“This week has been very emotional. It’s difficult to leave something you’ve invested so much in and benefited from so much, but others must now take the lead to move this team forward, Wagner was cited by NZC.

“Playing Test cricket for the BLACKCAPS has been an absolute pleasure, and I’m proud of everything our team has accomplished. What I will treasure most from my career are the friendships and bonds I’ve formed, and I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has helped me get to where I am today.

“I hope that’s the legacy I leave behind. My teammates have always meant the world to me, and all I’ve ever wanted to do was what was best for the team. He remarked, “I’m excited for the boys’ last week of camp and will be doing everything in my power to help them get ready and be supported.”

Throughout his Test career, he amassed nine five-wicket hauls; his best figures, 7/39, came in a match against the West Indies in Wellington towards the end of 2017.

Wagner will receive recognition at the Cello Basin Reserve during the opening Test, and on March 13, the NZC announced that he will also be feted at the ANZ New Zealand Cricket Awards in Christchurch.

He declared his intention to play again next season, whether in New Zealand or abroad, and that he will be available for his Major Association Northern Districts.