Neil Wagner, just hours after announcing his retirement from international cricket on February 27, joined the New Zealand team for a net session ahead of the first Test match against Australia on the same day.
Wagner, having played 64 Tests for the Blackcaps and claiming 260 wickets, concluded his career as New Zealand's fifth-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. The announcement stated that he would remain with the squad for the first Test and then be released before the final match. Making the most of his time, the pacer opted to contribute to his team by participating in a nets session ahead of the match in Wellington, set to commence on February 29.
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It was the right time to step down: Neil Wagner
Wagner announced his decision during a press conference on February 27, stating that it was the right time for him to step down from the team and make way for others.
"It's been an emotional week," the South Africa-born 37-year-old said on February 27.
"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."
"They sometimes say when you think about retirement, you're screwed in a way," he added.
"I thought it was the right time to step down and let the other guys come in and do what we've been doing as a group for several years and obviously grow that attack,” Wagner continued.
"It's never easy. It's an emotional road. It's a big roller coaster, but it's ... the time to pass that baton on and leave that Black Cap in a good place for the rest to take it and hopefully grow their legacy forward."
Despite retiring from international cricket, Wagner mentioned that he would continue his first-class career.
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