New Zealand milestone-man Kane Williamson insists Neil Wagner wasn't forced into retirement, saying the veteran paceman's flipping of the bird was merely humorous banter.
Wagner announced his retirement on the eve of the current two-match Test series against Australia after being surprisingly snubbed for the opener.
Earlier this week there was hope of a Wagner retirement backflip for the second Test following a hamstring injury to Will O'Rourke, but the Black Caps have instead called up debutant Ben Sears.
Wagner's finger-to-the-mouth celebration during a Test against South Africa last month piqued interest.
And eyebrows were raised when a visual emerged of Wagner giving the middle finger towards who appears to be skipper Tim Southee during a team huddle in that same match.
The rumour mill went into overdrive on Tuesday when former Black Caps skipper Ross Taylor labelled Wagner's recent departure as a "forced retirement".
But Williamson did his best to play down the drama on Wednesday.
"No, I don't think anyone is forced to retire," Williamson told reporters.
"I think last week he had a fantastic week.
"It was reflecting on what was an incredible career. We had some amazing moments in the dressing room.
"He's just done such incredible things for this team.
"The heart and soul and effort that he's brought to the side, and largely led through that for so long, has been incredible.
"It was quite a special week for that reason. I think he had a really amazing time sharing that with the side."
When asked whether Wagner would be considered for selection for the second Test, Williamson replied: "He's retired.
"From what I gather he's now retired and the selectors went with Ben, so that's what I know."
Williamson said the team environment was "quite good".
And he tried his best to explain the photo of Wagner flipping the bird towards Southee.
"Those guys are great mates, and have been and will continue to be so," Taylor said.
"That was banter in the dressing room and with Waggy and his fielding.
"He (Southee) ended up putting him down at fine leg, so to get a catch was quite amusing, so Waggy took his opportunity.
"Obviously out of context it doesn't look great, but it was a little bit humorous at the time, and all the players understood the context."
The talk over Wagner has overshadowed the upcoming 100-Test milestones of Williamson and Southee.
The pair will reach triple figures together when the second Test against Australia begins in Christchurch on Friday.
"We've been on a bit of a journey together, even before international cricket, going through age groups together," Taylor said.
"So it's quite special to be sharing that with him."
