New Zealand’s legendary player Wagner announces his retirement: New Zealand fast bowler Neil Wagner has announced his retirement from international cricket.
Wagner revealed the news on the eve of New Zealand’s two-match Test series against Australia at home, in which the left-hander finished his career with a total of 260 Test wickets in 64 Test matches.
The 37-year-old was named in New Zealand’s squad to take on Australia but revealed that he would not be selected in the eleven for the first Test in Wellington and would be left out of the squad for the second Test in Christchurch.
“It’s been an emotional week,” Wagner said.
“It’s not easy to walk away from something you’ve given so much to and gotten so much from, but now it’s time for others to step up and take this team forward.
Also Read: IPL 2024 Tickets: Price, Dates, When and Where to book Tickets | TATA IPL 2024 Ticket Booking
“I have enjoyed every single moment of playing Test cricket for the Black Caps and am proud of what we have achieved as a team.
“The friendships and bonds formed throughout my career are what I will cherish most and I want to thank everyone who has played a role in where I am today.
“My teammates have always meant a lot to me and I’ve always wanted to do what’s best for the team – I hope that’s the legacy I leave.
“I want to thank my wife Lana for helping me become the man I am today and for helping us 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 do everything I can to prepare and support the boys.”
Wagner is fifth in the list of New Zealand’s leading wicket-takers, with Sir Richard Hadlee (431), Tim Southee (376), Daniel Vettori (361) and Trent Boult (317) the only bowlers ahead of him. ,
He took five-wicket hauls a total of nine times during his Test career, with a career-best performance of 7/39 against the West Indies in Wellington in late 2017.
Wagner also played a key role in New Zealand’s inaugural ICC World Test Championship title, with the fast bowler taking three wickets as the side defeated India by eight wickets in Southampton in 2021.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead praised Wagner for the selfless approach he displayed throughout his career.
tead said, “Neil’s statistics are phenomenal, but I don’t think we can underestimate his contribution to the team when there were bad situations and he found a way to take wickets.”
“His accuracy, execution and tenacity have played a vital role in many of our great Test victories and he will always be remembered for his lion-hearted nature.
“Neil gave absolutely everything to the Black Caps and we will certainly miss his energy and ‘never give up’ attitude.”
For more, details visit: ICC
Also Read: CPL 2023 Points Table | Men’s CPL 2023 Points Table, | Women’s CPL 2023 Points Table/Standings
