New Zealand's Test wicket-keeper batsman BJ Watling on Tuesday announced that he would retire from international cricket after the upcoming England tour and World Test Championship final against India. The Indian team and New Zealand have reached the final of the World Test Championship organized by the ICC for the first time. The title match will take place at Southampton from 18 to 22 June.
35-year-old Watling has been an important part of the New Zealand Test team since 2009. He has so far taken a total of 249 catches, 10 of which he took as fielders. He also has 8 stumping to his name. BJ became the first and only wicket-keeper batsman to score a double century in Tests for New Zealand cricket.
Talking about Watling, he has also played a total of 28 ODIs and 5 T20 matches for the New Zealand team. He has scored a total of 573 runs in ODIs with the highest score of 96 (not out). He has scored a total of 38 runs in T20. Playing 73 Test matches, he has scored 3773 runs with 8 centuries, with 205 runs being his biggest Test innings.
While making the announcement, Watling said, "It's the right 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. I've also had plenty of help along the way for which I'll always be grateful."
