Senior New Zealand batter Kane Williamson dismissed former teammate Ross Taylor's claims that pacer Neil Wagner was compelled to retire from international cricket. Williamson insisted that no player is coerced into retirement, and Wagner had an amazing time in the dressing room.
Recently, Taylor said on ESPN’s Around the Wicket, “There’s no sugar coating it, I think it’s a forced retirement. It’s not just his experience and the way he goes about it, but the opposition – Cummins talked about the plans they had for him – experience plays a big part.”
However, ahead of the second and final Test against Australia, Williamson played down Ross Taylor’s claims and said that Wagner had an amazing time sharing with the team.
Kane Williamson said at the press conference: “I don’t think anybody is forced to retire. I think last week he had a fantastic week and was reflecting on what was an incredible career and we had some amazing moments in the dressing room.”
He added, “He’s just done such incredible things for this team and we’ve seen the skill that he has, but the heart and soul and effort that he’s brought to this side and largely led that for so long. It was a really special week and I think he had an amazing time sharing that with the side.”
There were rumors of tension between Wagner and Test captain Tim Southee, which was fuelled by an incident in which the former pacer was seen gesturing towards the New Zealand captain during the recent Test series against South Africa.
However, Williamson insisted that it was merely friendly banter.
Williamson signed off by saying, “Those guys are great mates and have been and will continue to do so. That was banter within the dressing room with Waggy and his fielding. Out of context it doesn’t look great, but everyone in the team knew the context and at the time it was quite humorous.”
(With ANI Inputs)
