Christchurch:Kane Williamson on Wednesday rubbished the suggestion made by former batter Ross Taylor that ace New Zealand pacer Neil Wagner was "forced to retire" before the start of the two-Test series at home against Australia. Wagner made an emotional announcement of his international retirement on the eve of the first Test at Wellington after he was told by the selectors that he would not be considered in the playing XI at any stage in the Test series.
The 37-year-old Wagner, however, took the field as a substitute fielder in the first Test which the Kiwis lost by 172 runs. He also carried drinks on a few occasions. Addressing a media conference alongside incumbent captain Tim Southee, since the pair will be appearing in their 100th Test together, Williamson said he has not seen the comments made by Taylor.
"I don't think anybody is forced to retire. Last week, (Wagner) had a fantastic week reflecting on what was an incredible career, and we had some amazing moments in the dressing room and, you know, it didn't all go perfectly obviously, an on-field performance would have helped," Williamson was quoted as saying by NZ Herald.
"But it was so much more than that and he's just done such incredible things for this team and we've seen the skill that he has and the numbers that everybody sees. But, you know, the heart and soul and effort that he's brought to the side and largely led through that for so long," he added.
"It's been incredible and it was quite a special week for that reason. I think he had a really amazing time," Williamson said.