BJ Watling to retire from all forms of cricket after WTC final

New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling has announced that he will bid adieu to international cricket next month. The 35-year-old, who has represented New Zealand in 73 Tests and 28 One Day Internationals will call time after the final of the World Test Championship against India.

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"The time is right," said Watling in a New Zealand cricket statement issued Wednesday.

"It's been a huge honour to represent New Zealand and in particular wear the Test baggy."

The South Africa born cricketer has taken 259 catches and completed 8 stumpings in Tests. He was a very effective batsman down the order and notched up 3,773 runs at an average of over 38, including eight hundreds. Watling said that he believes it is the right time to retire from the game, adding that he will miss the dressing room chatters.

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"It's the right time," he said. "It's been a huge honour to represent New Zealand and in particular wear the Test baggy (cap).

"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."

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He further added that he is focused on doing well for New Zealand in their upcoming tour to England.

"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.

Read more: ‘I hope that nobody goes through what I went’ – Mohammad Amir opens up on his premature retirement – Sky247 Blog

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