Cricket

SA-born Black Caps bowler Neil Wagner retires from international cricket

Wagner made his New Zealand debut in 2012 after arriving from South Africa 4 years earlier.

An emotional Neil Wagner introduced his retirement from international cricket Tuesday, after the quick bowler was not noted of New Zealand’s workforce for the primary Test in opposition to Australia this week.

Wagner fought again tears as he instructed reporters he had determined to name time on a 64-Test profession after New Zealand Cricket stated he wouldn’t be within the facet for Thursday’s match in Wellington.

“It’s never an easy time to do something like this, but the time has obviously come,” stated the 37-year-old Wagner, who has taken 260 Test wickets.

“It’s been amazing to represent the Black Caps and it’s been some of the proudest moments of my life.”

Fiery short-ball specialist Wagner stated he would depart the squad earlier than the beginning of subsequent week’s second Test in Christchurch.

“I’m looking forward to one final week in camp and will be doing everything I can to help prepare and support the boys,” he stated.

Career highlights

Wagner cited final yr’s one-run victory over England in Wellington, the place he took the final wicket to attract the collection, as amongst his profession highlights together with profitable the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021.

“I’ve enjoyed every single moment of playing test cricket for the Black Caps and am proud of everything we’ve been able to achieve as a team,” he stated.

Wagner made his New Zealand debut in 2012 after arriving from his native South Africa 4 years earlier.

“To the New Zealand public and the fans, I can’t thank you enough, for your support, for making me feel welcome, for making me feel like a Kiwi,” stated Wagner.

Neil Wagner in motion for the Black Caps throughout a Test match in opposition to South Africa earlier this month. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

Only Richard Hadlee, present captain Tim Southee, Daniel Vettori and Trent Boult have taken extra Test wickets for New Zealand than Wagner.

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead stated on Tuesday that Wagner was “one of the greats”.

“He has been via an unbelievable period and been an enormous cog of the bowling assault through the years.

“We’ll remember his lion-heartedness, the way he just kept finding a way to make something happen.”


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