New Zealand wicket-keeper batsman BJ Watling has announced his retirement from international cricket. He will retire after NZ's upcoming tour of England. The star player's last match in international cricket will be the final match of the World Test Championship against India. During the England tour, the New Zealand team has to play two Test matches against England and after that will play the final of the World Test Championship against India at Southampton on June 18.
If BJ Watling gets a chance to feature in all games, which he is expected to, he will attain the record of most appearances as New Zealand wicket-keeper in Test cricket. The 35-year-old has represented the BlackCaps in 28 ODIs, 73 Tests and 5 T20Is.
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"It's the right time. It's been a huge honour to represent New Zealand and in particular wear the Test baggy. Test cricket really is the pinnacle of the game and I've loved every minute of being out there in the whites with the boys," Watling told New Zealand Cricket.
"Sitting in the changing rooms having a beer with the team after five days' toil is what I'll miss the most," he added.
Watling, who made his Test debut in 2009, has so far scored 3773 runs in Test cricket at an average of 38.11. This includes eight centuries and 19 fifties. He has also played 5 T20 and 28 ODIs for New Zealand. Watling has taken 249 catches in his career so far, 10 of which he took as a fielder. He also has 8 stumpings to his name.