(Cricket News) The left-arm pacer, Neil Wagner from New Zealand has announced his retirement from International cricket. He has taken this decision after a 12 year-old test career, in which he played a total of 64 matches for the Black Caps.
The pacer came to the decision after he was not included in the playing 11 for the game against Australia starting on Thursday. Wagner will now no longer be a part of the squad and will be released ahead of the test match. However he has confirmed that he’ll continue playing domestic cricket for his side Northern Districts next season.
Wagner will finish with a total of 260 test match wickets at a strike rate of 52.4 which is the second best for any Kiwi bowler with 100 Test wickets or more, just behind Sir Richard Hadlee. He is the fifth on the most wickets charts for the Black Caps.
Wagner said that the decision was not easy and that it had been “an emotional week” but it was clear it was the right time to move on. “It’s not easy to step away from something you’ve given so much to and got so much out of, but it’s now time for others to step up and take this team forward,” he was quoted as saying in a New Zealand Cricket media release.
“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. The friendships and bonds built over my career are what I’ll cherish the most and I want to thank everyone who’s played a part in where I am today. My teammates have always meant the world to me and all I’ve ever wanted to do was what was best for the team – I hope that’s the legacy I will leave.
