According to former New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor, the retirement of paceman Neil Wagner was not entirely voluntary but rather a result of circumstances. Before the first Test between Australia and New Zealand, Wagner declared his retirement from international cricket. The decision came after a challenging conversation with coach Gary Stead, where it became apparent that Wagner was not part of New Zealand’s starting lineup for the upcoming series against Australia.
Wagner, aged 37, concluded his Test career ranked fifth on New Zealand’s list of top Test wicket-takers, having secured 260 dismissals in 64 matches. Taylor addressed Wagner’s finger-on-the-mouth celebration during his final Test appearance against South Africa in February, where he made explicit gestures during a team celebration.
Taylor said: “I think it all makes sense a little bit now. There is no sugarcoating it: I think it is a forced retirement. If you listen to Wagner’s press conference, he was retiring, but it was after this last Test match [against Australia]. So he did make himself available.”
“And to see that he is not selected… I think you do need to plan for the future, but a one-off Test against Australia in a must-win situation, I would not be looking much further than Neil Wagner. And I am sure the Australian batters are sleeping easy that he is not in the side.”
Despite being initially set to be released from the squad after the first Test, Wagner remained involved as a substitute fielder and carried drinks for his teammates. However, an injury to William O’Rourke opened the door for a potential recall during the second Test in Christchurch. The Kiwis ultimately opted for uncapped pacer Ben Sears over Wagner.
Taylor emphasized the significance of including Wagner for the crucial Test against arch-rivals Australia, despite the team’s need to plan for the future. The necessity to win against Australia warranted Wagner’s presence, according to Taylor.
Finch said: “I could not believe Neil Wagner was not in the XI. I just genuinely thought that he must have been out through a niggle. The success he’s had against Australia, particularly [against] Steven Smith over a period of time, you can guarantee that the last wicket partnership would not have happened if Wagner was there.”
“Because he would have intimidated Josh Hazlewood at least. He might have stopped Cameron Green from scoring as well. I thought that was a really interesting decision.”
During a press briefing, New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson downplayed any worries surrounding Wagner’s retirement.
Williamson said: “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.”
“We had some amazing moments in the dressing room. It did not go perfectly. Obviously, an on-field performance would have helped but it was so much more than that. He has just done such incredible things for this team. And we have seen the skill that he has and the numbers that everybody sees but the heart and soul and effort that he has brought to the side and largely led through that for so long has been incredible. It was quite a special week for that reason and I think he had a really amazing time sharing that with the side.”
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