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New Zealand‘s fast-bowling stalwart, Neil Wagner, has decided to bring the curtains down on his illustrious international career, officially announcing his retirement from Test cricket.
Wagner’s departure marked the conclusion of a remarkable 64-Test journey with the Blackcaps. The left-arm pacer played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s Test squad, contributing significantly to their ascent to the No.1 position in Test cricket and their triumphant campaign in the World Test Championship (WTC).
Neil Wagner’s remarkable career statistics
At the age of 37, Wagner left behind a legacy that includes being the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the history of New Zealand Test cricket. His impressive record boasted 260 wickets at an average of 27.57, coupled with an outstanding strike rate of 52.7. Wagner’s lion-hearted performances made him a linchpin in the Blackcaps’ bowling attack, earning respect and admiration from cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
Emotional decision and departure from the New Zealand squad
The decision to retire came after an emotional conversation between Wagner and coach Gary Stead. It became apparent that Wagner was not part of New Zealand’s top XI for the upcoming Test series against Australia, prompting the veteran pacer to make the difficult choice. Despite being named in the squad, Wagner won’t feature in the starting XI for the first Test in Wellington and is set to be released before the second game in Christchurch.
“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 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,” Wagner was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Also READ: Daryl Mitchell recalled as New Zealand Cricket announces formidable 14-member squad for Australia Tests
Legacy of a champion
As Wagner bids farewell, the cricketing fans acknowledges his incredible contributions to New Zealand cricket. Over his 12-year Test career, Wagner exhibited resilience, determination, and a never-say-die attitude. His departure left a void in the Blackcaps’ bowling arsenal, and the cricketing world will fondly remember him as one of the most dedicated and impactful bowlers, with his indomitable spirit leaving an indelible mark on the history of New Zealand Test cricket
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Neil Wagner! Indomitable spirit. The first time I saw him was in the Champions League in some 2009-10 for Otago. He bustled into the crease and had an impressive attitude. Trademark pacer from SA. Oh! Those memories of him removing Smith with short deliveries in 19-20.
— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) February 27, 2024
Neil Wagner’s retirement news hurts more and more every passing minute.
To even think we’ll never have someone pour his entire soul into the game for us….this news is definitely bigger than the reactions so far.
For me, it is earth shattering.
— stuart broad apologist 🇵🇸 (@cricketpun_duh) February 27, 2024
There will never be another Neil Wagner. The Ultimate Warrior of New Zealand cricket. And only apt that his last act as an international cricketer was trying to bounce out NZ Prime Minister Chris Luxon in his own backyard #NZvAus
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) February 27, 2024
Neil Wagner has announced his retirement from Test cricket.
Wagner was a captain's dream. Would run in tirelessly all day no matter how flat the conditions were.
Finishes with 260 Test wickets at 27.57 and 821 First Class wickets at 27.16. A fine career.👏#NZvAUS
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) February 27, 2024
Filmed a feature on Neil Wagner a few years back where I played some of his wicket celebrations back to him.
It was like an out-of-body experience for him. He was almost mortified at himself.
One of the kindest athletes you’d hope to meet. But if a wicket’s at stake… oh boy.
— Randall Munro (@randallmunro) February 27, 2024
Have seen only few left arm bowlers able to effortlessly nail the difficult art of bowling bouncers from around the wicket to left handers, the angle looks very weird but Neil Wagner used to do it with no fuss. One of the finest in whites, will be missed for long time.
— Gaurav (@brightkknight) February 27, 2024
#NeilWagner called time on his illustrious 64-Test career for the #BLACKCAPS and will bow out following the Tegel Test series against Australia, starting in Wellington on Thursday.
Wagner will not be in the starting XI for the first Test at the Cello Basin Reserve and will be…
— Rajesh Khilare (@Cricrajeshpk) February 27, 2024
Neil Wagner has played 205 first-class games which is a tally NZ players may find hard to match in the future, even with county stints. Of current players Williamson (166) is next. Taylor 192, Watling 178 of other recent players.
— Francis Payne (@FPayne100) February 27, 2024
Neil Wagner – one of NZ's greatest bowlers, and without question, a great of the Test match game…
260 wickets at 27/53
Part of one of Test cricket's most formidable attacks.
World Champion
Founder member of NZ's greatest Test team yet.— cricketingview (@cricketingview) February 27, 2024
What heartbreaking news to wake up to. We won't see Neil Wagner running in whites ever again
— Prithvi (@Puneite_) February 27, 2024
Neil Wagner's retirement marks the end of an era for New Zealand cricket. He's been a true workhorse and a stalwart for the team…
— Subhash Choudhary (@subhash92) February 27, 2024
Whole-hearted, talented and a key part of NZ cricket’s golden age… I know I’ll miss Neil Wagner.
The kind of player you love to have on your side and probably hate to come up against.
Thanks for the memories Wags. #thankswags @BLACKCAPS
— Ed Jackson (@edjacko) February 27, 2024
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, says Neil Wagner as he retires#CricketTwitter #AusvNZ
— Anuj Mishra (@anujmishra003) February 27, 2024
Whenever Neil Wagner stepped over that white line with a silver fern on his chest, I have to admit, I loved him with my whole heart.
— Thee Jamie Bell (@JamieBellNZ) February 27, 2024
Neil Wagner has always been one of my favourites. His passion, determination and dedication to test cricket and NZ had me glued to my screen. One of the best, in my opinion. Thank you, Wags. End of an era.
— Lily Franklin (@lilyffranklin13) February 27, 2024
That fact Neil Wagner played from 2012 until 2024 and only played 64 Tests is a true crime!
Meanwhile here’s the Top 5 players and Tests played…
A. Cook – 135
J. Anderson – 127
S. Broad – 123
J. Root – 108
V. Kohli – 105Imagine his record if we got to play more Tests… pic.twitter.com/rQWugryWYc
— The ACC (@TheACCnz) February 27, 2024
In his early days in the Black Caps, I thought Neil Wagner was going to be a reliable, hard-working third seamer. I never imagined he’d become a world-class strike bowler. But for two or three years he was our best test bowler and one of the top test wicket-takers in the world!
— Daniel Jackson (@danielneljack) February 27, 2024
If there's one bowler I would never, ever want to face – it would be Neil Wagner. Miss me with repetitive bouncers and the angriest face in test cricket.
Such a pleasure having him do his thing for New Zealand, and constantly coming up trumps with his bowling.
Legend!— Stephen Gallagher (@SWTGallagher) February 27, 2024
Neil Wagner has retired from international cricket, effective immediately
The man that bowled with passion and pace, and wore his heart on his sleeve
☹️#cricket pic.twitter.com/Cxhk4etvwA
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) February 27, 2024
