New Zealand's Neil Wagner Announces Retirement From International Cricket, Won't Play In NZ Vs AUS Tests

New Zealand's fiery fast bowler Neil Wagner announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect and thus brought down curtains on a 12-year cricketing career that saw him play 64 Tests for the Kiwis that also included a World Test Championship. (More Cricket News)

Wagner. 37, will not be a part of the New Zealand squad for the Australian Tests starting from February 29, Thursday at Wellington and will be released before the action turns to Christchurch. South Africa-born Wagner will finish fifth on New Zealand바카라�s list of all-time Test wicket-takers with 260 at an average of 37.

Wagner made his Test debut in 2012 and was a key figure in one of New Zealand바카라�s most successful eras. He moved from South Africa to New Zealand in 2008 and quickly established himself in first-class cricket with Otago province. His strike rate of 52 is bettered only by Richard Hadlee among New Zealand bowlers who have taken more than 100 wickets.

바카라�It바카라�s been an emotional week,바카라� Wagner said. 바카라�It바카라�s not easy to step away from something you바카라�ve given so much to and got so much out of, but it바카라�s now time for others to step up and take this team forward.

바카라�I바카라�ve enjoyed every single moment of playing Test cricket for the BLACKCAPS and am proud of everything we바카라�ve been able to achieve as a team. The friendships and bonds built over my career are what I바카라�ll cherish the most and I want to thank everyone who바카라�s played a part in where I am today. My teammates have always meant the world to me and all I바카라�ve ever wanted to do was what was best for the team - I hope that바카라�s the legacy I will leave."

He thanked his wife, Lana and children for their constant support.

"I바카라�d like to thank my wife Lana for her support in helping me be the man I am today and for helping bring our two little girls Olivia and Zahli, and our boy Josh into the world.

바카라�I바카라�m looking forward to one final week in camp and will be doing everything I can to help prepare and support the boys.바카라�

Skipper Tim Southee And Coach Gary Stead Hail Wagner

BlackCaps coach Gary Stead praised Wagner and said his impact was beyond statistics. 바카라�Neil바카라�s numbers are phenomenal, but I don바카라�t think we can underestimate his contributions to the team when the chips were down and he found a way to create a wicket.

바카라�His accuracy, execution and tenacity has been instrumental in many of our great Test victories and he will always be remembered for his lion-hearted nature. Neil gave absolutely everything to the BLACKCAPS and we are certainly going to miss his energy and 바카라�never give in바카라� attitude.바카라�

Test captain Tim Southee called Wagner as one of the great team men.

바카라�You always knew what you were going to get with Neil and that was 100% commitment to the cause,바카라� he said. "He would do anything for the team and has earned nothing but respect and admiration within the dressing room. Personally, I바카라�ve enjoyed a great relationship with Neil on and off the field and am sure our friendship will continue for years to come."

The left-arm pacer will be acknowledged for his contribution during the first New Zealand versus Australia Test match and will also be celebrated at the New Zealand Cricket Awards in Christchurch on March 13.

(With AP inputs)