Neil Wagner Retires From International Cricket

Neil Wagner, one of only five bowlers from New Zealand to capture over 250 wickets in Test matches, announced his immediate retirement from international cricket. New Zealand Cricket announced on Tuesday that the team would not include the left-arm fast bowler in the starting lineup for the first Test at the Cello Basin Reserve and would cut him from the team before the second Test in Christchurch.

This announcement marks the end of an incredible 12-year career spanning 64 Tests. Whether in New Zealand or elsewhere, the 37-year-old will continue to play domestic cricket for the Northern Districts.

With 260 wickets at an average of 27, Neil Wagner, a workhorse for the New Zealand captains he played under, ranks sixth among all Test wicket-takers in New Zealand at the conclusion of his career.

Only the legendary Sir Richard Hadlee, with a strike rate of 50, surpasses him as a New Zealander who has claimed over 100 Test wickets with Wagner’s strike rate standing at 52. In the 32 Test matches that Wagner helped win, he took 143 wickets at an average of 22.

He was born in South Africa and moved to Dunedin in 2008 to play cricket for Otago in the domestic league. In 2018, he relocated to his current home in Papamoa to play for Northern Districts.

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What Wagner Told To Reporters

It’s been an emotional week. 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.

I’ve enjoyed every single moment of playing Test cricket for the BLACKCAPS and am proud of everything we’ve been able to achieve as a team.”

He Added

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.”

I’d like to thank my wife Lana for her support in helping me be the man I am today and for helping 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 be doing everything I can to help prepare and support the boys,” concluded Wagner.

Neil Wagner couldn't hold back the tears after announcing his retirement from international cricket 😭 pic.twitter.com/qLf67c0AcV
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) February 27, 2024

Gary Stead Told Reporters –

“Neil’s numbers are phenomenal, but I don’t think we can underestimate his contributions to the team when the chips were down and he found a way to create a wicket.

His accuracy, execution and tenacity has been instrumental in many of our great Test victories and he will always be remembered for his lion-hearted nature.

Neil gave absolutely everything to the BLACKCAPS and we are certainly going to miss his energy and ‘never give in’ attitude,” Stead told Reporters, via the aforementioned source.

Blackcaps Test skipper Tim Southee Praised Wagner –

“You always knew what you were going to get with Neil and that was 100% commitment to the cause. He would do anything for the team and has earned nothing but respect and admiration within the dressing room.

Personally, I’ve enjoyed a great relationship with Neil on and off the field and am sure our friendship will continue for years to come.”