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New Zealand's left-arm pacer with 260 Test wickets announces retirement from domestic cricket, says 'Before heading overseas to go play...'

Veteran left-arm pacer Neil Wagner will retire from New Zealand's domestic cricket after Northern District's last game of the season.

Sports Tak

• Sat • 29 Mar 2025

Neil Wagner and Trent Boult of New Zealand during a training session at The Ageas Bowl on June 16, 2021 in Southampton, England.

Highlights:

Neil Wagner will play his last Plunket Shield match against Otago.

Wagner will play County cricket in England.

Wagner has also hinted at playing franchise cricket.

New Zealand's veteran left-arm pacer Neil Wagner has announced his retirement from domestic cricket in the country. The ongoing Plunket Shield match between Northern Districts and Otago will be his last appearance in the red-ball tournament.

The 39-year-old will be looking to finish on a high. They are currently on top of the points table with four wins and 89 points from seven games. On March 28, Wagner took to Instagram to announce his retirement and said that he will county cricket in England and hinted at taking up franchise cricket opportunities.

"17 years ago I came to New Zealand and started my career here for Otago against ND! Tomorrow it goes full circle playing my last game in NZ for ND against Otago! Before heading overseas to go play county cricket and the next venture! " he wrote.

"Ive been extremely lucky and fortunate to represent these two great associations who gave me the platform to be a Blackcap and play on the highest level! Some amazing memories and like to thank all my mates through the years along the way and also my family for the amazing love and support!!"

Before his final game in the Plunket Shield 2024-25, Wagner had 841 wickets from 211 games at an average of 27.3, including 36 fifers and two 10-wicket hauls.

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Another pacer to play his final game

Another bowler who will hang his boots is Wellington's Ian McPeake. After the match against Canterbury, the 33-year-old will retire from all professional cricket.

"It's been an incredible honour to represent Wellington," McPeake said. "For a long time, I just wanted to get one game, so to have had the privilege to play for so many years and be a part of many incredible matches is something I'll cherish forever.

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"Through the years I've been very fortunate to have rubbed shoulders with some of the best cricketers and blokes. It's often said that the best memories you'll hold on to aren't always from the field but it's the time in the changing room celebrating. While reflecting on my time, I see a lot of truth in that."

McPeake's stats

McPeake's Wellington have 82 points as they have won three and played one draw in seven games. The pacer has 152 wickets from 55 first-class games at an average of 29.86, featuring one 10-wicket haul and five fifers.