NEW DELHI: Kane Williamson on Wednesday dismissed the claim made by former batsman Ross Taylor that suggested New Zealand's star pacer Neil Wagner was "forced to retire" before the commencement of the two-Test series against Australia at home.
Wagner, in an emotional announcement, declared his international retirement on the eve of the first Test in Wellington. This decision came after selectors informed him that he would not be considered for the playing XI at any point during the Test series.
Despite the retirement announcement, the 37-year-old Wagner participated as a substitute fielder in the first Test, which New Zealand lost by 172 runs.
He was also seen carrying drinks on several occasions during the match. Williamson's refutation contradicts the notion that Wagner's retirement was a result of external pressure or coercion.
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.
Taylor suggested in a podcast on ESPNCricinfo that by the look of it, Wagner seems to have been forced into retirement.
"I think it all makes sense a little bit now. There's no sugarcoating it: I think it's a forced retirement. If you listen to Wagner's press conference, he was retiring, but it was after this last Test match (against Australia). So he did make himself available," Taylor said.
Williamson, meanwhile, declined being part of such discussions in the Kiwi camp.
"I'm not involved in those discussions, but from what I gather, he's now retired," Williamson added.
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