Neil Wagner, a fast bowler from New Zealand, has decided to end his 64-Test cricket career. He leaves as the fifth-highest wicket-taker for the nation.
Neil Wagner was chosen to be part of the team for the two home Tests against Australia led by Pat Cummins. However, head coach Gary Stead informed him that he would not be playing in either of the matches.
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The 37-year-old, Wagner originally from South Africa, held back tears during a press conference at Wellington’s Basin Reserve. He confirmed his retirement from international cricket alongside coach Gary Stead.
Neil Wagner said,
“Its been an emotional week, a fiery.”
“It is not easy to step away from something you have given so much and got so much out of, but it is better time for others to step up and take this team forward.”
“To the New Zealand fans and public, I can’t thank you enough, for your support and making me feel welcome, for making me feel like a Kiwi.”
“It has never easy. It is an emotional road. It is a big roller coaster, but it’s the time to pass that baton on and leave that Black Cap in a good place for the rest to take it and hopefully grow their legacy.”
Neil Wagner took a break from international cricket for four years to meet the eligibility criteria for playing for New Zealand.
Neil Wagner achieved a remarkable feat in first-class cricket by becoming the first player to take five wickets in six consecutive balls while playing for Otago against Wellington.
Neil Wagner played his first Test match against the West Indies in 2012. However, it took him some time to adjust to the challenges of international cricket. He faced a period of nearly a year on the sidelines from 2014-15.
Neil Wagner played a crucial role in New Zealand’s historic Test series win over England in the 2018 home summer, which was their first in almost 20 years. His resilient 103-ball innings for seven runs, along with Ish Sodhi, formed a remarkable rearguard effort that saved the second Test in Christchurch.
As he retires, Neil Wagner holds impressive bowling statistics with an average of 27.57 runs per wicket and a strike rate of 52. Among New Zealanders who have taken more than 100 Test wickets, only Richard Hadlee (with a strike rate of 50) has bettered Wagner’s numbers.
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