Unrest in New Zealand Cricket: Ross Taylor Speaks Out on Neil Wagner’s ‘Forced’ Retirement

March 5, 2024 0 1188

Ross Taylor suggested that Neil Wagner’s retirement was not voluntary but rather forced, implying underlying tension within the New Zealand camp.

Former New Zealand captain Ross Taylor has stirred controversy with his assertion that Neil Wagner’s retirement was forced, especially as it came just before the Test series against Australia.

Despite being named in the squad, Wagner learned he wouldn’t feature in the opening Test XI, prompting his sudden decision to retire. Addressing the media ahead of the match, the left-arm paceman bid an emotional farewell to international cricket.

With 260 wickets in 64 Tests, Wagner had been a vital component of New Zealand’s fast-bowling attack for several years. His retirement, however, follows a tense period, notably during the Test series against South Africa, where he was involved in controversial incidents, including allegedly gesturing his middle finger toward a New Zealand player and celebrating a wicket provocatively.

Taylor’s suggestion of unrest within the New Zealand camp, echoed by former Australian star Aaron Finch, added fuel to the speculation surrounding Wagner’s abrupt departure.

“I think it all makes sense a little bit now. There’s no sugarcoating and I think it’s a forced retirement. If you listen to Wagner’s press conference, he was retiring but it was after this last Test match so he just did make himself available,” Taylor told ESPNCricinfo.

“I think anytime it’s not only his experience in the way he goes about it. But the opposition you heard Cummins talking about the plans that they had (for Wagner) from you know, experience plays a lot but no I agree with Finchy. If he comes around the wicket to Hazlewood he might have got him away for a couple of boundaries or even a six but for a long time, he would have attacked them. I don’t think they would have got a hundred-run partnership,” he added.

Following Will O’Rourke’s injury in the opening Test, Tim Southee hinted at Wagner’s potential recall for the second match, but selectors opted for Ben Sears instead.

Taylor expressed concern, suggesting that Australian batters would feel relieved knowing Wagner wouldn’t be in New Zealand’s lineup. He also emphasized the importance of focusing on immediate needs in a crucial match, rather than long-term planning, indicating that Wagner’s absence could give Australia an advantage in the upcoming Test.