‘World’s shortest retirement’ – Pat Cummins takes cheeky dig at Neil Wagner

Neil Wagner. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)

New Zealand pacer Will O’Rourke has been ruled out of the second Test of the ongoing series against Australia. The 22-year-old has injured his hamstrings, which ruled him out of the Christchurch Test and following which, there were reports of Neil Wagner coming out of retirement and playing his final Test match. Skipper Tim Southee acknowledged the same and mentioned that they haven’t decided anything but it’s an option that the team management can consider.

Upon hearing that, Australia skipper Pat Cummins took a cheek dig and called it the ‘world’s shortest retirement’. Notably, Wagner retired from international cricket on February 27, two days before New Zealand’s first against the Trans-Tasman rivals. Soon after the first Test when there was a possibility of him making a return, Cummins didn’t hold back but added that New Zealand could call him if that’s the next best seamer New Zealand have got.

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“World’s shortest retirement. 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. 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,” Cummins was quoted as saying by Fox Sports.

New Zealand call Ben Sears for second Test

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead has confirmed that they will not go back to Wagner and has instead called up Ben Sears for the second Test against Australia. He mentioned that losing O’Rourke is unfortunate as he was sensational at Basin Reserve and added that even the visitors respected him before he walked away with injury.

“Disappointing for Will and disappointing for us because I thought he bowled fantastically well and for a guy that’s so young in his Test career it looks like the Australians were certainly respecting him in the way that they’re playing him. He’ll be a big loss for us. Ben Sears for us as the closest I guess like for like replacement that we thought we could find. We wanted someone with some genuine pace,” Stead said.