Former New Zealand Test skipper Kane Williamson has refuted any claims of a forced exit for Neil Wagner from international cricket and emphasized on his invaluable contributions to the team.

The 37-year-old has played 64 Test matches for the Black Caps and has picked up 260 wickets at an average of 27.57 before announcing his decision to retire from international cricket. Shortly after that, former cricketer Ross Taylor suggested that Wagner's retirement from international cricket was "forced" on him as the pacer seemed to be in a good rhythm.

Notably, Wagner announced his retirement a day before New Zealand's first Test against Australia at Basin Reserve in Wellington. It was reported that the cricketer announced his decision after failing to make it to the squad for the series as he was extremely emotional during the time of his announcement.

On the other hand, Williamson recently pointed out that the cricketer wasn't forced to retire and added that the last week was extremely special for him as they had some amazing moments in the dressing room but also reflected on their defeat at the hands of Australia in the first Test.

"I don't think anybody is forced to retire. I think last week, (Wagner) had a fantastic week reflecting on what was an incredible career, and we had some amazing moments in the dressing room and, youknow, it didn't all go perfectly obviously, an on-field performance would have helped," Williamson was quoted as saying by NZ Herald.