‘World’s shortest retirement’: Pat Cummins responds to prospect of Neil Wagner returning for 2nd NZ vs AUS Test

On Sunday Australia thrashed New Zealand by 172 runs in Wellington to take the lead in two-match series. In addition to the loss, another concerning factor has been the fitness of young fast bowler Will O’Rourke who walked off the field due to holding his hamstring on Saturday.

When Australian skipper Pat Cummins on the prospect of Neil Wagner returning in place of O’Rourke for the second Test he would laugh and say “World’s shortest retirement.” The Kiwi left-arm seamer announced his retirement earlier in the week.

“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.” Cummins recalls. “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.”

New Zealand skipper Tim Southee speaking about Wagner after the game would say, “He’s had great reception here over the last week,” he said. “Got a couple of moments on the field, and he’s been a fan favorite for a long time,” he added.

A kiwi great

South Africa-born Wagner played 64 tests for New Zealand and will finish fifth on New Zealand’s list of all-time test wicket-takers with 260 at an average of 37.

His 260 Test wickets puts him in the fifth of all time New Zealanders’ bowling list behind Richard Hadlee, Tim Southee, Daniel Vettori and Trent Boult. And importantly, only Hadlee’s strike-rate is better than his.

“The time’s obviously come,” said Wagner, who fought back tears when thanking people at a press conference in Wellington.” He would remember Brendon McCullum at this emotional time.

“He (MCCullum) always spoke about leaving the Black Caps in a better place when you’re done, and moving that legacy forward, and I thought that’s something I can be pretty proud of.To the NZ public and the fans, I can’t thank you enough, for your support, for making me feel welcome, for making me feel like a Kiwi.”

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