Shortly after Neil Wagner's announcement of retiring from international cricket, New Zealand captain Tim Southee suggested that his teammate might reconsider and make a comeback from retirement for the 2nd New Zealand vs Australia Test in Christchurch next week. However, Pat Cummins, the Australian captain, couldn't contain his laughter upon learning about the potential return of Neil Wagner.
Australian captain Pat Cummins took a humorous perspective on the situation when asked about Neil Wagner's possible return, stating, “World’s shortest retirement," Cummins said after the match. "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 as quoted by Fox Sports.
O'Rourke's Hamstring Injury Could Make Way For Wagner's Comeback
Australia secured a dominant 172-run victory over New Zealand in Wellington, clinching an insurmountable lead in the two-Test series. Following the match, New Zealand's captain, Tim Southee, indicated the possibility of Neil Wagner, who retired after being excluded from the best XI for the series, making a comeback. This consideration arises due to speedster Will O'Rourke sustaining a hamstring injury.
Neil Wagner bid an emotional farewell in a press conference before the series, a surprising moment for many in the cricketing community. The selection of rookie O'Rourke and Scott Kuggeleijn, despite the latter's recent controversial background, over Wagner for the Test only intensified the discontent among supporters.
Scheduled to be released from the squad before the second Test, the 37-year-old made a noteworthy appearance as a substitute fielder in Wellington, receiving enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
Neil Wagner boasts an impressive record of 260 Test wickets for New Zealand, maintaining an average of 27.57. Notably, 24 of those wickets have been secured in four Tests against Australia, showcasing a remarkable average of 23.04 in encounters against the Aussies. The last time they met, Wagner was a force to reckon with as he disturbed Australia’s best, Steve Smith, with his immaculate short-pitch bowling.