Unrest in New Zealand cricket? Neil Wagner’s retirement was ‘FORCED’ claims his former teammate, Kane Williamson reacts

Wagner has played 64 Test matches after making his debut in 2012 against West Indies.

Unrest in New Zealand cricket? Neil Wagner’s retirement was ‘FORCED’ claims his former teammate, Kane Williamson reacts

Neil Wagner was emotional while announcing his retirement (Images via ESPNcricinfo)

Neil Wagner announced his retirement ahead of the first Test match against Australia after he was informed that he couldn’t be a part of the playing XI during the series. Wagner then thought it best to announce his retirement.

But he came back in the first match as a substitute fielder and as Will O’Rourke got injured, there were speculations about Wagner’s U-turn. But New Zealand announced Ben Sears as O’Rourke’s replacement.

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Reacting to Wagner’s retirement, Kiwi great Ross Taylor said his former teammate’s retirement was “forced“.

I think it all makes sense a little bit now. There's no sugarcoating it. I think it's a forced retirement. If you listen to Wagner's press conference, he was retiring, but it was after this last Test match. So he did make himself available.
Taylor said while speaking on ESPN’s Around the Wicket podcast

Kane Williamson breaks silence on Ross Taylor’s remarks on Neil Wagner

Ahead of New Zealand’s must-win Test against Australia, Kiwi batter Kane Williamson played down any concerns regarding Neil Wagner’s retirement. He said Wagner’s retirement was not forced.

Neil Wagner
Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson (Image via ESPNcricinfo)
I do not think anybody is forced to retire. I think last week, he had a fantastic week and it was reflecting on what was an incredible career.
Williamson said at the press conference

Wagner has played 64 Test matches after making his debut in 2012 against West Indies. From these Tests, the 37-year-old picked 260 wickets at an average of 27.57 and a strike rate of 3.13. His best figures was 7/39.

Wagner only played Tests for New Zealand. He has not featured in either ODIs or T20Is. In first-class cricket, Wagner played 205 matches and scalped 821 wickets.

The Kiwi bowler last played for the national team in February this year against South Africa. He picked up two wickets in that match.

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