New Zealand wicketkeeper BJ Watling said he took the decision in order to spend more time with his family. Watling has represented New Zealand in 73 Tests. He will retire after the World Test Championship final, starting June 18 in Southampton.

Watling has played 73 Tests, 28 ODIs and 5 T20Is for the BlackCaps.

BJ Watling has been one of the pillars of the current New Zealand side led by Kane Williamson. The 35-year-old played an integral role, scoring 3773 runs, including 8 hundred, in 73 Tests. Watling became just the 9th wicketkeeper to hit a double hundred. The first to hit a double against England when he did so in Bay Oval in 2019. Watling has been involved in two 350-plus stands. One with Brendon McCullum in 2014 against India and the other with Kane Williamson the following year.

“The curtain is set to come down on the career of one of New Zealand’s most widely respected cricketers. Wicketkeeper BJ Watling to retire from all cricket after the upcoming Test tour of England,” New Zealand Cricket said in a release.

“It’s been a huge honor 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,” Watling.

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“Sitting in the changing rooms having a beer with the team after five days’ toil is what I’ll miss the most,” he said.

Watling also thanked his family for their constant support.

“My wife Jess has been a constant source of stability and support. 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.”

Watling said that despite having to announce his retirement ahead of New Zealand’s tour of England, his focus was on the three matches.

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