Neil Wagner is a New Zealand Test cricketer who was born in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1986. As of February 2024, he has played 64 Test matches for New Zealand, taking 260 wickets. He made his Test debut for New Zealand in 2012 against the West Indies.
Neil Wagner was part of the New Zealand team that won the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021. He also played a crucial role in New Zealand’s historic win against England in 2013, taking the most wickets in the series (12).
New Zealand Cricket said the 37-year-old would not be in the XI for the Australia series opener at Basin Reserve and then would be released from their squad for the second Test in Christchurch.
“It’s been an emotional week,” Wagner reflected.
“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.
“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.
“I’m looking forward to one final week in camp and will be doing everything I can to help prepare and support the boys.”
Qantas Tour of New Zealand
February 29 – March 4: First Test, Wellington, 9am AEDT
March 8-12: Second Test, Christchurch, 9am AEDT
Australia Test squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc
New Zealand Test squad: Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Scott Kuggeleijn, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, Will Young.