Wagner set to retire from New Zealand domestic cricket following the final round of the Plunket Shield

Neil Wagner, 39, is set to conclude his domestic cricket career in New Zealand after representing Northern Districts (ND) in the final round of the Plunket Shield, which starts on March 29. He could end his career on a high if he helps ND win the match and claim the Plunket title. 

As it stands, ND is leading the table with 89 points from seven matches, closely followed by Wellington (82) and Canterbury (80), who are also in contention for the title.

However, Wagner will continue playing county cricket in England, remaining active as a player. 

In other news, Wellington seamer Ian McPeake will retire from all professional cricket following the final-round Plunket Shield game against Canterbury at the Basin Reserve. 

Wagner's emotional reaction, nearly in tears, after ND's loss to Canterbury in the Super Smash Eliminator last month hinted that his career might be nearing its end. After the match, ND captain Jeet Raval declined to confirm whether Wagner had played his final game in New Zealand. However, Wagner returned to play in the Plunket Shield, where his four-wicket haul helped ND secure a narrow win over Wellington and move into the lead.

In a fitting twist, Wagner’s last game in New Zealand will be against his former team, Otago, in Dunedin—where he played his first-class debut for Otago against ND back in 2008 at the same venue.

Wagner has taken 560 first-class wickets in New Zealand since the 2005-06 season, playing 133 matches at an average of 27.03. He holds the record for the most first-class wickets in New Zealand during this period, with only Stephen Book (492), Ewen Chatfield (370), and David O'Sullivan (368) having taken more wickets in the Plunket Shield than Wagner's 365.

Born and raised in Pretoria, Wagner moved to New Zealand in 2008 after missing out on selection at various levels in South Africa. Though he initially considered playing in England, he ultimately made New Zealand his home. He became eligible for New Zealand international cricket in 2012 and went on to become one of their finest fast bowlers, alongside Trent Boult and Tim Southee. Wagner played a crucial role in helping New Zealand win the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) title in 2021.

Wagner's retirement from New Zealand domestic cricket comes just over a year after his international retirement. Throughout his 17-year domestic career, Wagner represented ND and Otago.

Meanwhile, McPeake, like Wagner, has a chance to retire with the Plunket title. Having played 55 first-class matches and taken 152 wickets at an average of 29.86, McPeake has also featured in 50 white-ball games for Wellington.

"It's been an incredible honour to represent Wellington," McPeake said. "For a long time, I just wanted to get one game, so to have had the privilege to play for so many years and be part of many incredible matches is something I'll cherish forever. Through the years, I've been very fortunate to have rubbed shoulders with some of the best cricketers and blokes. It’s often said that the best memories you hold onto aren’t always from the field but from the time spent in the changing room celebrating. Reflecting on my career, I see a lot of truth in that."

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