WELLINGTON: New Zealand’s most successful Test wicket-keeper/batsman Bradley-John Watling will retire from all forms of cricket after their upcoming tour of England, the country’s cricket board (NZC) said on Wednesday.

Watling, 35, has been an integral part of New Zealand’s Test team since debuting in 2009, and holds the Black Caps’ record for Test dismissals with 249 catches (excluding 10 as a fielder) and eight stumpings.

Watling, who also represented New Zealand in 28 One-day Internationals and five Twenty20 Internationals, said the time had come to hang up his gloves as he looks forward to spending more time with his family.

“It’s been a huge honour to represent New Zealand and in particular wear the Test baggy,” Watling said in a statement. “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.

“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.

“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.”

With the bat, Watling has scored 3773 runs in 73 Tests at 38.11 with eight hundreds and 19 half-centuries, with his highest score of 205 coming against England at Mount Maunganui in 2019.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead paid tribute to Watling’s grit and determination that helped him forge a career as one of the country’s finest glovemen.

“The records speak for themselves and he’s been such a crucial cog in the Test team’s rise over the past decade,” Stead said. “The attitude and fight he brings to every day and every session of a Test is what has made him such a valued member of the Black Caps.”

Watling, meanwhile, will look at coaching options after taking a break with family when he returns from England, but suggested coaching was a long-term goal.

“It’s something I’m looking at, “Watling told New Zealand media. “The next six months or so I’ll just kind of wing it at this stage and Ill start to look into what options I have after the game.”

He denied his long career had taken a toll on his body, and said his decision to retire from all cricket was mostly to spend more time with his young family.

“Actually no, the body feels surprisingly good. A few years ago I would have said my body is going to play up and that will be it, but actually Im feeling quite fresh in the body,” he said. “I think there are few other factors and spending some time at home will be the main thing.”

New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee paid tribute to his Northern Districts and Test team-mate.

“He’s a man of few words, but his actions that everyone has seen over a long period of time sum up what BJ is about,” said Southee.

New Zealand are set to play two Tests against England beginning June 2 followed by the ICC World Test Championship Final against India from June 18 to 22.

Published in Dawn, May 13th, 2021