[ad_1]
Neil Wagner’s retirement from the Test arena shocked the cricket world ahead of New Zealand’s series against Australia.
The veteran fast bowler called time on his 64-Test career after not being selected for the opening Test.
Watch Australia v New Zealand live with no ad breaks during play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >
Wagner, 37, delivered a tearful press conference as he announced his time had come to an end in what was a hard decision to make.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
But now a former New Zealand skipper has delivered a bombshell claim and suggested what he believes is the real reason behind Wagner’s retirement decision.
Host of ESPN’s Around The Wicket Neroli Meadows said: “A couple of Tests ago against South Africa, cameras caught him giving the finger and shushing to someone. There was a little bit of confusion.
Meadows asked former New Zealand captain Ross Taylor: “Can you clear this up? Is this becoming a bit clearer perhaps there’s a little bit of unrest in the Kiwi camp?”
Taylor, who retired in 2022, said the retirement wasn’t a decision Wagner had made on his own … instead he was forced into it.
“I think it all makes sense a little bit now. There’s no sugar-coating it: I think it’s a forced retirement,” Taylor.
“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.
“I think you do need to plan for the future, but a one-off Test against Australia in a must-win situation.
“I wouldn’t be looking much further than Neil Wagner. And I’m sure the Australian batters are sleeping easy that he’s not in the side.”
Aaron Finch added that he was shocked about Wagner missing out on selection for the opening Test against the Aussies.
“I just genuinely thought that he must have been out through a niggle,” Finch said.
“The success he’s had against Australia, particularly [against] Steven Smith over a period of time, you can guarantee that the last-wicket partnership wouldn’t have happened if Wagner was there.
“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.”
Taylor agreed with Finch’s sentiment and said the presence of Wagner would have made a huge difference to the Test.
Youngster Will O’Rouke will miss the second Test against Australia with a left hamstring strain and will be replaced in New Zealand’s squad by uncapped pace bowler Ben Sears.
The second Test between Australia and New Zealand gets underway on Friday in Christchurch.
[ad_2]
Source link