New Zealand wicket-keeper batsman BJ Watling will retire from all forms of cricket after the upcoming Test tour of England.
The 35-year-old has been a stalwart of the Test side since debuting in 2009 as an opening batsman, going on to establish himself as a world-class keeper-batsman and claiming numerous records in his 73 Tests to date.
With the Blackcaps contracts for the 2021-22 season due to be released on Friday, in which Watling will not be included due to his future unavailability, his retirement news has been expedited.
The Northern Districts gloveman had been pondering his options for a while, but settled on his decision to retire at the end of the just completed home summer.
“It’s the right time,” said Watling, who has recently become a father for the second time.
“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.
“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 holds the New Zealand Test dismissals record with 249 catches (excluding 10 as a fielder) and eight stumpings — the best numbers of any current Test keepers.