Former New Zealand cricketer Ross Taylor has made a shocking claim that fast bowler Neil WagnerNeil Wagner) was forced to retire from international cricket. Ross Taylor has also expressed fear of a bad atmosphere in the New Zealand cricket team.

Let us tell you, 37-year-old Neil Wagner said goodbye to international cricket last week when he was told that he would not be selected in the playing eleven in the ongoing two-match Test series against Australia. Wagner announced his retirement in an emotional press conference before the first Test. However, Wagner entered the field as a substitute fielder during the first Test.

Neil Wagner’s presence would have made a big difference: Ross Taylor

Meanwhile, Aaron Finch said on ESPN’s Around the Wicket podcast: “I couldn’t believe Neil Wagner was not in the playing XI. Because he would have at least scared Josh Hazlewood. He might have even stopped Cameron Green from scoring this week. “It was a really interesting call.”

On which Ross Taylor agreed with Aaron Finch and said that Wagner’s presence would have made a big difference, as Cameron Green and Josh Hazlewood snatched the match from New Zealand by adding 116 runs for the last wicket. Ross Taylor said on ESPN’s Around the Wicket podcast: “His experience would have been very useful and you heard Pat Cummins talking about the plans they had prepared for him. Experience matters a lot, but no, I agree with Finchi.

“He made himself available.”

I don’t think if Wagner had been there, he would have got a 100-run partnership. I think it’s all starting to make sense a little bit now. There is no sugarcoating it. I think he has taken retirement by force or compulsion. If you listen to Wagner’s press conference, he was considering retiring, but it was after this last Test match. So, He made Himself available.

And to see him not being selected… I think you need to plan for the future, but in this situation against Australia I can’t think of anyone other than Neil. I am sure the Australian batsmen are sleeping peacefully knowing that he is not in the team.”