Australian captain Pat Cummins has sung the praises of retiring New Zealand bowler Neil Wagner, saying he has "huge admiration" for all he had achieved.
Wagner announced his retirement from international cricket on Tuesday after being told he was to be left out of the playing XI for the first Test in Wellington starting Thursday.
“It’s been an emotional week,” Wagner said. “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 became emotional when talking about those who had helped him during his career. (Source: 1News)
“I’ve enjoyed every single moment of playing Test cricket for the Black Caps and am proud of everything we’ve been able to achieve as a team."
Speaking to media on Wednesday, Cummins said he was surprised by Wagner's sudden retirement on the eve of the series.
"Obviously he was part of the squad so thought he was in line to play. Whether he was in the final XI or not we obviously weren't too sure. There's been a bit of short ball work in the nets from all of us knowing that's his normal go-to, so we've had to shift a few of our plans," Cummins said.
"He's been a wonderful competitor whenever we've played him over the years. I think as a fellow fast bowler who isn't necessarily a seam-up, swing and get an outside edge bowler, seeing the way he's created problems for batters in a non-traditional kind of way I have really admired from afar.
"I know how hard it is to run in and throw everything into it for 50, 60 overs a game like he has in the past. Huge admiration for him and wish him all the best."
Wagner finishes his career sitting fifth on New Zealand's list of all-time Test wicket-takers with 260, at an average of 27. His strike-rate of 52 is only bettered by the great Sir Richard Hadlee among those who have taken 100 Test wickets or more.
Follow the Black Caps during New Zealand's summer of cricket on TVNZ+
SHARE ME