The South African-born Otago fast bowler Neil Wagner says finding out he's finally been cleared to play for New Zealand was the best news of his life.
The International Cricket Council has ruled in 26-year-old Wagner's favour, citing exceptional circumstances for his failure to fully meet residential qualifications since he arrived in the country four years ago.
ICC regulations state Wagner had to reside in New Zealand for a minimum of 183 days for four consecutive years to qualify.
Wagner moved to New Zealand in 2008 but missed the required number of days on two occasions - once was while he was playing for Otago in the Champions League and the other for a family wedding.
Wagner says the past few months haven't been easy and he's relieved to have been ruled eligible for the Black Caps.
The Black Caps' next international assignments are tours to the West Indies and India, followed by the Twenty20 World Cup in Sri Lanka, in September
