New Zealand pacer Neil Wagner breaks down during his retirement announcement

New Zealand pacer Neil Wagner couldn't hold back his tears as he addressed the media ahead of his side's 1st Test against Australia.

The 37-year-old announced his decision to retire from international cricket before the press conference and broke down while talking about it.

"It's never an easy time to do something like this. But yeah, the time has obviously come. I'm really grateful for the opportunity. It's been amazing to be a part of, obviously the Black Caps and to be able to represent the Fern and to have a black cap on my head has been some of the proudest moments of my life," he said.

Wagner was not selected in New Zealand's XI for their first Test against Australia starting on Thursday and is set to be released from the squad ahead of the second and last match in Christchurch.

South Africa-born Wagner played 64 tests for New Zealand and finished 5th on New Zealand's list of all-time test wicket-takers with 260 at an average of 37.

"The New Zealand public and the fans, I can't thank you enough for the support. For making me feel welcome, to make me feel like a Kiwi. And yeah, for the chants throughout the years, lifting me up when your body is sore. To be able to still do what you do. You played a huge role," Wagner added.