New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling will retire after the upcoming Test series against England. The Kiwis will be touring England for a three-match Test series later this year. Before that Watling will be seen playing in the World Test Championship final against India in June. Watling, who made his international debut in 2009 played 73 Tests for his national side till date.

With the New Zealand Cricket team’s contracts for the 2021-22 season due to being released on Friday, in which Watling will not be included due to his future unavailability, his retirement news has been announced.

“It’s been a huge honour to represent New Zealand and in particular wear the Test baggy. Test cricket really is the pinnacle of the game and I’ve loved every minute of being out there in the whites with the boys. “I’ve played with some great players and made many good mates. I’ve also had plenty of help along the way for which I’ll always be grateful” said Watling.

He also said that the time was right to call time on his career and he wanted to make the announcement well before time so that he can focus on his preparations for his farewell series.

BJ Watling To Retire After England Tests

“Although I’ve had to make this announcement ahead of the tour to England, my focus is very much on the three Tests ahead and preparing to perform in them” said the Kiwi wicketkeeper batsmen.

BJ Watling holds the record for the most dismissals by a Kiwi gloveman in Test cricket with 249 catches and eight stumpings. His bowler-keeper catching combinations with Tim Southee (73), Trent Boult (55) and Neil Wagner (53) occupy the top three spots on the New Zealand record list.

NZC chief executive David White said Watling would be remembered for the tremendous courage and determination he brought to the game, and especially when the chips were down.

“BJ turned games around. I can’t think of another player who reacted so positively, and who was successful in the face of adversity” he said. 

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