The veteran Kiwi speedstar Neil Wagner will hang his boots after the Australia series. He announced his retirement today.

Wagner will finish with 260 Test wickets from 64 matches, the fifth-most in New Zealand’s history, with a strike rate of 52 – only bettered by cricket icon Sir Richard Hadlee in the Black Caps’ 100-wicket club.

“It’s been an emotional week,” Wagner said in an emotional press conference on Tuesday in which he announced his retirement.
“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.

“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.”

“You always knew what you were going to get with Neil and that was 100% commitment to the cause,” he said.

“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.

“It’s going to be great to have him with us this week for the first Test and we’ll look forward to celebrating his incredible career at the end of the match.”