Neil Wagner's test cricket career in numbers: 64 tests, 260 wickets and more

Neil Wagner finished his test career as New Zealand’s fifth-highest wicket-taker.

Veteran fast bowler Neil Wagner announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing down curtains on the glorious test career of 12 years, during which he played 64 tests.

Wagner revealed the news on the eve of New Zealand’s two-match test series at home against Australia. The 37-year-old will not be in the playing XI for the first test at the Cello Basin Reserve and will be released from the squad ahead of the second test in Christchurch.

Wagner said the decision to retire was not an easy one, but it was clear the time was right to move on. “It’s been an emotional week. 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 was quoted by NZC.

The very proud owner of New Zealand Men’s Test cap #256! Read more | https://t.co/dNwndRo0R0 #ThanksWags pic.twitter.com/ngN1TnW62s

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 27, 2024

“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,” he added

The left-arm fast bowler Neil Wagner will be felicitated at the Cello Basin Reserve during the first test match between New Zealand and Australia, and after that, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) will further celebrate Wagner’s career at the ANZ New Zealand cricket awards in Christchurch on March 13, NZC said in a release.

However, the veteran NZ fast bowler will remain available for his major association in the Northern Districts, and Wagner also confirmed his intention to play next season.

“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,” Neil Wagner said.

From Hopeful South African to Determined New Zealander

Born in South Africa in 1986, Neil Wagner dreamt of playing test cricket from a young age. The left-handed bowler Wagner started his career at Afrikaans High School in Pretoria (South Africa) before shifting to Otago (New Zealand) in 2009. This led him to make a significant decision and pursue his dream afresh.

Joining the domestic circuit in New Zealand, Wagner showcased his aggressive left-arm fast-medium bowling style, capturing attention with his relentless bowling and sheer determination.

Earning the Black Cap

Neil Wagner’s talent and perseverance finally paid off in 2012 when he received his maiden test call-up for New Zealand against the West Indies. This marked the culmination of his long-held dream and a testament to his unwavering determination and his decision to shift from South Africa to New Zealand finally paved off.

Wagner faced challenges in initial days of his test career but he overcame them, silencing critics with his consistent performances. Wagner bowled with tireless energy, aggressive bowling approach, and ability to never back down which became a reliable figure in the New Zealand bowling attack in the longest format of the game.

Never gave up attitude of Neil Wagner

Wagner’s heroics in Christchurch against the Australian side in 2016 showed his great determination and with that, he also established him as a great test cricketer for New Zealand.

During the 2016 test series between New Zealand and Australia, the left-arm pacer Neil Wagner suffered a broken bowling knuckle on the ring finger of his bowling hand while trying to take catch of Australian batter Joe Burns, but Wagner hide his pain and registered his then career-best figures of 6 for 106 in Australia’s first innings.

The New Zealand left-arm pacer was the most successful test bowler statistically in 2016. Wagner picked up 32 wickets from just seven matches in 2016.

Neil Wagner played crucial role in NZ historic victory in the 2019-2021 ICC World Test Championship cycle

In the ICC World Test Championship (ICC WTC), Neil Wagner picked up 55 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 28.25. The left-arm pacer is currently New Zealand’s fourth-highest wicket-taker in the ICC WTC. Wagner also played a crucial role in New Zealand’s historic victory in the 2019-2021 ICC World Test Championship cycle picking 35 wickets in eight games, solidifying his place amongst the team’s legends.

Neil Wagner v Matthew Wade in 2019-20 was an epic battle! pic.twitter.com/ng6krjfAQu

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 27, 2024

Neil Wagner a legendary test bowler for New Zealand

Neil Wagner will finish his career fifth on the list of New Zealand’s top test wicket-takers with 260 wickets, at an average of 27. The left-arm speedster Wagner was part of 32 wins out of 64 tests he played for the Kiwis, and claimed 143 wickets at an average of 22 in those matches.

Neil Wagner collected a total of nine five-wicket hauls during his test career, with career-best figures of 7/39, which came against the West Indies in Wellington at the end of 2017.

Neil Wagner hit the nets after retiring from international cricket this morning 😮The former 🇳🇿 bowler will train with the squad for the first #NZvAUS Test! pic.twitter.com/vGHX83V0Nx

— King Babar Azam Army (@kingbabararmy) February 27, 2024

Neil Wagner’s achievements during his glorious test career

• Member of the New Zealand team that won the 2019–2021 ICC World Test Championship.
• New Zealand’s fifth-highest wicket-taker in test cricket – 260 wickets (as on 27 February, 2024)
• Fifth on New Zealand’s list of all-time wicket-takers with 260 wickets at an average of 27 in test cricket (as of February 2024).

Neil Wagner’s cricketing journey reflects a powerful message with unwavering dedication, resilience, and a willingness to take risks, achieving your goals can become a reality.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.