New Zealand’s experienced wicket-keeper batsman BJ Watling has announced he will retire from all forms of the game after the forthcoming Test tour of the UK.
Depending on form and fitness, Watling will bid adieu to the game after Black Caps’ two-Test series versus England and the World Test Championship final against India.
In a media release by New Zealand Cricket, Watling, who recently became a father for the second time, said the time is ripe for him to hang up his boots.
“It’s the right time,” he said. “It’s been a huge honour to represent New Zealand and in particular wear the Test baggy. Test cricket really is the pinnacle of the game, and I’ve loved every minute of being out there in the whites with the boys.”
“Sitting in the changing rooms having a beer with the team after five days’ toil is what I’ll miss the most. I’ve played with some great players and made many good mates. I’ve also had plenty of help along the way for which I’ll always be grateful.”
Watling will end his international career at the age of 35 as inarguably one of the finest contemporary glovemen in Test cricket and certainly among the best that the Kiwis have ever produced.
Watling’s run tally of 3381 is the highest among wicketkeeper-batsmen in New Zealand’s Test history and at a better average – 39.77 – than anyone else. He also has the most hundreds – 7 – and half-centuries – 18 – in the list. Additionally, no other Kiwi wicket-keeper has inflicted more dismissals than Watling’s 257 from 65 matches as a designated gloveman.
Making his retirement announcement, Watling said he is looking forward to spending more time with his family, but the immediate focus is on doing well in the three challenging Tests coming up.
“My wife Jess has been a constant source of stability and support, and I’m certainly looking forward to being able to spend more time with her and the kids. I also owe a big thanks to my mum for steering me in the right direction early on and always being there for me,”
“Although I’ve had to make this announcement ahead of the tour to England, my focus is very much on the three Tests ahead and preparing to perform in them. This tour will be a challenge on a few levels, and we know as a team we will need to be at the very top of our game if we want to succeed,”
Watling added.
In his overall 73 Tests for New Zealand, Watling has made 3,773 runs at an average of 38.11, including 8 centuries and 19 half-centuries. Watling has also played 28 ODIs and 5 T20Is for his country.
An extremely calm and composed cricketer, Watling will be remembered fondly for his resilient batsmanship in the toughest of circumstances, the tendency to produce admirable knocks when the team needed them the most.
“BJ turned games around. I can’t think of another player who reacted so positively, and who was successful in the face of adversity.”
“His ability to wring every possible run out of the tail was unmatched; his work behind the stumps tireless and efficient. He has a quiet, unassuming and undemonstrative manner that belies the huge appetite he has for the contest and the challenge.”
NZC chief executive David White said.
New Zealand’s marquee tour of England begins with the first of two Tests on June 2 at Lord’s, followed by the second from June 10 in Edgbaston. The WTC final against India will be played in Southampton from June 18.
