Neil Wagner will conclude his career as the fifth-highest wicket-taker for New Zealand in Test cricket, with an average of 27. He’s decided to retire from international cricket immediately after taking more than 250 Test wickets for New Zealand. The New Zealand Cricket Board announced on Tuesday that the left-arm fast bowler, who is a vital part of the team, won’t be part of the initial XI for the first Test and will be released from the squad before the second Test in Christchurch. With this decision, his remarkable 12-year career comprising 64 Test matches will come to an end.
Although the 37-year-old player will continue playing domestic cricket for Northern Districts, whether in New Zealand or abroad.
Neil Wagner, known as a workhorse for New Zealand captains under whom he played, will rank fifth in New Zealand’s list of top Test wicket-takers with 260 wickets in 27 averages. His strike rate of 52 is only bettered by New Zealand’s great Sir Richard Hadlee (50), who took over 100 Test wickets. Wagner secured victories in 32 out of his 64 Test matches, claiming 143 wickets at an average of 22 in those wins.
Born in South Africa, he moved to Dunedin to play domestic cricket for Otago in 2008, before shifting to play for Northern Districts in Papamoa in 2018.
Emotional Neil Wagner says it’s the right time to move forward. Wagner mentioned that the decision to retire wasn’t easy, but it was clear that the time to move forward was right.
“It’s been an emotional week,” said Wagner. “Leaving something you’ve given so much to and received so much from isn’t easy, but now it’s time to move forward and lead this team onwards for others.”
“I’ve relished every moment of playing Test cricket for the Blackcaps and take pride in what we’ve achieved as a team. The friendships and bonds formed during my career are something I’ll cherish the most, and I want to thank everyone who has played a role in getting me to where I am today. My teammates have always meant the world to me, and I’ve always wanted to do what’s best for the team – I hope that’s the legacy I leave behind.”
This left-handed batsman made his Test debut in 2012 and was a key member of the New Zealand team that reached number one in the ICC Test rankings in 2021 and won the ICC World Test Championship. He thanked his wife Lana and children for their constant support.
“I want to thank my wife Lana for supporting me to become 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 last week in the camp and doing everything I can to prepare and support the boys.”
Tim Southee and Gary Stead hail Neil Wagner. New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said Wagner’s impact went beyond statistics. “Neil’s numbers are exceptional, but I don’t think we can measure his contribution to the team just by figures. His accuracy, execution, and resilience have played a crucial role in many great Test victories for us, and he’ll always be remembered for his lion-hearted nature. Neil has given everything for the Blackcaps, and we’ll surely remember his energy and ‘never give up’ attitude.”
New Zealand Test captain Tim Southee described Wagner as one of the greats of the team. “You always knew what you were going to get with Neil, and that was 100% commitment,” he said. “He could do anything for the team, and he earned nothing less than respect and praise in the dressing room. Personally, I’ve enjoyed a great relationship with Neil both on and off the field, and I’m confident our friendship will continue for many years to come.”
Wagner will be honored as he accepts his place in the Seddon Park reserve during the first Test and will be celebrated at the ANZ New Zealand Cricket Awards in Christchurch on March 13th.