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On Sunday, Australia defeated New Zealand by 172 runs in Wellington to take the lead for the second time in a row. In addition to the loss, another cause for concern is the health of young fast bowler Will O’Rourke, who left the field on Saturday with a strained hamstring.
When Australian captain Pat Cummins talked about the possibility of Neil Wagner returning to replace O’Rourke in the second Test, he laughed and said: “It’s the shortest retirement in the world.” The Kiwi left-arm seamer announced his retirement earlier this week.
“I mean, why not? If he’s your next best bowler that you think is going to be next, go for it. I’ve played against him before,” Cummins recalled. “Just look at him. He’s got high energy. It’s so much fun talking to him here every morning, so just check on him.”
“He’s had a great reception over the past week,” New Zealand captain Tim Southee said of Wagner after the match. “He played a few minutes on the field, but he’s been a fan favorite for a long time,” he added.
amazing kiwi
South African-born Wagner has played 64 Tests for New Zealand and is on track to finish fifth on New Zealand’s all-time Test wicket-takers list with 260 and an average of 37.
His 260 Test wickets put him fifth on the all-time New Zealand bowling list, behind Richard Hadley, Tim Southee, Daniel Vettori and Trent Boult. And importantly, only Hadley’s strike rate is better than him.
“Obviously the time has come,” Wagner said at a news conference in Wellington, fighting back tears as he thanked people. He will remember Brendon McCullum at this emotional time.
“He (McCallum) always talked about leaving the Black Caps in a better place and taking that tradition forward when he was done. I thought that was something I was pretty proud of, and the people of New Zealand. To the fans, I can do that.” I can’t thank you enough for your support, for making me feel so welcome and making me feel like a Kiwi. ”
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