 "Neil Wagner might just get to make one more appearance for New Zealand in the second Test against Australia in Christchurch. Reuters")
In a strange turn of events, fast bowler Neil Wagner might end up getting recalled by New Zealand for the second Test against Australia days after tearfully announcing his retirement from the sport.
The left-arm quick was overcome by emotion as he announced his retirement on 27 February after having been overlooked by the Black Caps for the first Test against Australia in Wellington, which the Kiwis ended up losing 172 runs .
However, following an injury to fast bowler Will O’Rourke, New Zealand skipper Tim Southee insisted the door was not shut on Wagner, who is among the country’s most successful bowlers with 260 wickets in 64 Test appearances.
The South Africa-born pacer had announced the decision to retire days before the Test series against Australia after learning that he won’t feature in the opening game and will be released from the squad for the second Test in Christchurch, starting 8 March.
“We haven’t had a lot of discussions as yet. We’ll see how Will scrubs up. The physio hasn’t sort of put a time-frame on it or how bad it is. We’ll just wait and see how Will goes over the next couple of days. I’m sure there’ll be an update in the next 24 hours,” said Southee.
“We obviously have to go on and make a decision on who comes in and what role we sort of see that playing out in Christchurch.
Impact Shorts
More Shorts“(Wagner’s) had a great reception here over the last week where he got a couple of moments on the field and obviously he’s been a fan favourite for a long time,” said the home skipper.
Southee though was sure that pacer Trent Boult, who last played in a Test in June 2022, won’t play the second game.
“I don’t think his loading is up to it on the back of T20,” Southee said.
Southee had requested to be left out of New Zealand’s central contract list in August, 2022.
World’s shortest retirement
Meanwhile, Australian skipper Pat Cummins backed Wagner to come out of retirement.
“World’s shortest retirement. I mean, why not? If he’s your next best bowler that you think is going to perform, then go for it. I’ve faced him before. It’d be good to see. He’s high energy. It’s been good fun chatting to him each morning out here, so see how he goes,” said Cummins.
Australia have retained the Trans-Tasman Trophy for the 12th successive time after ensuring that they won’t lose the series with their victory in the series-opener.
With PTI inputs