Watch: Neil Wagner hits the nets and helps his teammates after announcing retirement

Neil Wagner, on Tuesday (February 27), stunned the cricketing world by announcing his retirement from international cricket, just two days before the start of the Test series against Australia.

While the left-arm pacer is a part of the squad for the series, he decided to bring down the curtains on his illustrious Test career. He will be with the squad for the first Test although he won’t play the game before being released ahead of the second Test. The South Africa-born pacer revealed that he decided to retire from Tests after being told by coach Gary Stead that he wouldn’t be a part of the playing eleven against Australia.

“It’s been an emotional week. 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 BLACKCAPS 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,” he added.

At the same press conference, Neil Wagner also stated that he would do everything he could to help his teammates prepare for the upcoming Test and he meant every word of it. Soon after the press conference ended, he hit the nets and helped his teammates prepare for the Test. He bowled with the same intensity that made him one of the most crucial members of New Zealand’s Test team.

I’m looking forward to one final week in camp and will be doing everything I can to help prepare and support the boys,” said the pacer before hitting the nets.

Watch as Neil Wagner bowls in the nets:

Neil Wagner hit the nets after retiring from international cricket this morning 😮

The former 🇳🇿 bowler will train with the squad for the first #NZvAUS Test! pic.twitter.com/Rk55HwXpUa

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) February 27, 2024

Neil Wagner is retiring from Tests after representing the Black Caps in 64 Tests. With 260 wickets to his name, he is fifth on the list of New Zealand’s top Test wicket takers.