Blackcaps bowler Neil Wagner has played his final test for New Zealand.
The 37-year-old has called time on his 64-test career and will bow out before the upcoming two-test series against Australia.
NZ Cricket has confirmed he won't feature in the starting XI for the first test starting in Wellington on Thursday and will be released from the squad before the second test in Christchurch.
Renowned for his workhorse approach to bowling and passionate celebrations, Wagner finishes with 260 wickets at average of 27 runs - placing him fith on the list of New Zealand's top wicket-takers after 12 years in and around the starting XI.
His strike rate of 52 only bettered by the great Sir Richard Hadlee for NZ bowlers who have surpassed 100 wickets.
Wagner admits he's had an "emotional" week pondering his decision, but is confident the timing is right for him to step aside and make way for the next generation to stake their claim.
"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," Wagner said.
"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.
"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."
Among the highlights Wagner identified were helping the Blackcaps to their World Test Championship triumph in Southampton in 2021 and his efforts with the bat helping the team salvage a draw to clinch a test series win against England in 2018.
Blackcaps coach Gary Stead said Wagner's impact on the team went beyond the statistics, with his competitive drive one of the many intangibles that made him such an instrumental part of the squad for over a decade.
"Neil's numbers are phenomenal, but I don't think we can underestimate his contributions to the team when the chips were down and he found a way to create a wicket," said Stead.
"His accuracy, execution and tenacity has been instrumental in many of our great Test victories and he will always be remembered for his lion-hearted nature.
"Neil gave absolutely everything to the Blackcaps and we are certainly going to miss his energy and 'never give in' attitude."
Wagner's trademark grit and determination were best exemplified during a 2016 test against Australia, when he soldiered through a broken knuckle to set then career-best figures of 6/106.
That year, he finished as New Zealand's leading test bowler - taking 32 wickets through seven matches at an average of 21.
More to come
Blackcaps bowler Neil Wagner has played his final test for New Zealand.
The 37-year-old has called time on his 64-test career and will bow out before the upcoming two-test series against Australia.
NZ Cricket has confirmed he won't feature in the starting XI for the first test starting in Wellington on Thursday and will be released from the squad before the second test in Christchurch.
Renowned for his workhorse approach to bowling and passionate celebrations, Wagner finishes with 260 wickets at average of 27 runs - placing him fith on the list of New Zealand's top wicket-takers after 12 years in and around the starting XI.
His strike rate of 52 only bettered by the great Sir Richard Hadlee for NZ bowlers who have surpassed 100 wickets.
Wagner admits he's had an "emotional" week pondering his decision, but is confident the timing is right for him to step aside and make way for the next generation to stake their claim.
"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," Wagner said.
"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.
"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."
Among the highlights Wagner identified were helping the Blackcaps to their World Test Championship triumph in Southampton in 2021 and his efforts with the bat helping the team salvage a draw to clinch a test series win against England in 2018.
Blackcaps coach Gary Stead said Wagner's impact on the team went beyond the statistics, with his competitive drive one of the many intangibles that made him such an instrumental part of the squad for over a decade.
"Neil's numbers are phenomenal, but I don't think we can underestimate his contributions to the team when the chips were down and he found a way to create a wicket," said Stead.
"His accuracy, execution and tenacity has been instrumental in many of our great Test victories and he will always be remembered for his lion-hearted nature.
"Neil gave absolutely everything to the Blackcaps and we are certainly going to miss his energy and 'never give in' attitude."
Wagner's trademark grit and determination were best exemplified during a 2016 test against Australia, when he soldiered through a broken knuckle to set then career-best figures of 6/106.
That year, he finished as New Zealand's leading test bowler - taking 32 wickets through seven matches at an average of 21.
More to come
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