Neil Wagner's 64-test cricket career is all but over, having emigrated from South Africa to New Zealand in 2008 and made his debut in 2012

The 37-year-old left-arm pace bowler will bow out after two-match series against Australia, but appears unlikely to play them.

He has missed selection for the opening fixture in Wellington on Thursday and will be released from the squad ahead of the second in Christchurch.

Wagner formed a pace attack with Trent Boult and Tim Southee which helped raise the Black Caps from among the worst test nations to world champions in 2021.

His numbers represent excellence - 260 wickets at an average of 27.57 and a strike rate of 52 - but fans and teammates will more likely remember his tenacity and ferocity in the contest.

Wagner's capacity to bowl long spells, especially directing unerring laser-beams at chests, as well an ability to flay or graft with the bat on occasion, meant teams he played for always had a sniff.

NEWSTALK ZB'S INTERNATIONAL CRICKET COVERAGE WITH ENZED SAFETY BLACKWOODS. TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS