Former New Zealand Test captain Kane Williamson dismissed Ross Taylor’s statement that Neil Wagner was forced into taking retirement before the start of the two-Test series against Pat Cummins’ Australia.
On the eve of the Wellington Test, Wagner announced his retirement from international cricket in an emotional press conference. He was told by the selectors that he would not get a chance to bowl in the Test series.
However, Wagner came as a substitute fielder during the first Test which Australia won by 172 runs. The 37-year-old also carried drinks for the Tim Southee-led Kiwi side.
"I don't think anybody is forced to retire. Last week, (Wagner) had a fantastic week reflecting on what was an incredible career, and we had some amazing moments in the dressing room and, you know, it didn't all go perfectly obviously, an on-field performance would have helped," Williamson was quoted as saying by NZ Herald in a press conference that also featured Southee as the two veterans will make his 100th Test appearance together on March 8.
"But it was so much more than that and he's just done such incredible things for this team and we've seen the skill that he has and the numbers that everybody sees.
"But, you know, the heart and soul and effort that he's brought to the side and largely led through that for so long," he added.
"It's been incredible and it was quite a special week for that reason. I think he had a really amazing time," Williamson said.
Williamson ruled out the possibility of Wagner coming out of retirement and said that he is not part of discussions which took place before the left-arm pacer announced the news.
Veteran duo to join elite list
Before Williamson and Southee, four New Zealand cricketers -- Taylor, Daniel Vettori, Stephen Fleming and Brendon McCullum --- have played 100 Tests.
Williamson’s form
After three Test centuries in two Tests against a second-string South Africa, Williamson registered scores of 0 and 9 respectively in the Wellington Test. He got run out for a duck. This was the first time he was run out after 12 years in the format.
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