On Friday, former New Zealand captain Tim Southee declared his retirement from Test cricket following the forthcoming Test series against England, with the 35-year-old poised to conclude his career at his home field in Hamilton.
The indefatigable seam bowler debuted against England in Napier in 2008 and has remained a cornerstone of the New Zealand Test team.
Currently, Tim Southee is New Zealand’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket.
In his 16-year career, Southee has taken 385 wickets in 104 Test matches. Richard Hadlee has 431 wickets, which makes him the New Zealand Test cricket record holder and the player with the second most wickets.
“Representing New Zealand was my lifelong goal,” Tim Southee said when he announced his retirement.
“Competing for the Black Caps for 18 years has been an extraordinary honor and privilege. The moment seems appropriate to depart from the sport that has bestowed so much upon me.
“Test cricket occupies a unique significance in my life, thus participating in a major series against the same adversary with whom my Test career commenced years ago. And at three venues of profound personal importance, appears to be the ideal conclusion to my tenure with the Black Caps.”
I am eternally grateful to my family, friends, coaches, fans, and all individuals associated with the game who have supported me and my profession.
“This journey has been amazing, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Tim Southee Transfers New Zealand Test Captaincy to Tom Latham Following a Two-Year Tenure.
Tim Southee commanded the team to six victories, six defeats, and two draws after succeeding Kane Williamson in 2022 before transferring leadership to Tom Latham last month, who guided them to a 3-0 Test series victory in India.
Southee’s comprehensive abilities and reliability have made him the global player to achieve over 300 Test wickets, 200 ODI wickets, and 100 T20 wickets.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) CEO Scott Weenink hailed him as one of the country’s top players.
“We will remember Tim Southee as a legend of modern New Zealand cricket, a cornerstone of the Blackcaps’ improving prospects.”
“Tim possesses an extensive reservoir of experience and knowledge of the game, and although he has concluded his playing career. I Would be astonished if we do not encounter him in a different role at some point in the future.”
Tim Southee has yet to determine his retirement from white-ball cricket. Following the three-match Test series against England, commencing in Christchurch on November 28, he will assess whether he will have a final farewell in white-ball cricket.
New Zealand will compete against Sri Lanka in three one-day internationals and three Twenty20 matches at home, commencing on December 28.
Blackcaps coach Gary Stead stated that Southee’s record is self-evident.
“Tim’s endurance and fortitude have been exceptional,” he stated. He characterized Tim as an exceptionally resilient competitor who excels under pressure and infrequently incurs injuries.
Tim is profoundly concerned about the team, its reputation, and its performance, and the Blackcaps community will lament his absence.
“I am confident that he will reflect favorably on his contributions and accomplishments in the sport in the years ahead, and he now deserves quality time with his family.”
Tim Southee intends to retire from Test cricket following the England series.
After the forthcoming three-match series against England at home, Tim Southee, an accomplished bowler for New Zealand, has declared his intention to retire from Test cricket.
His retirement is contingent upon Southee postponing it should New Zealand attend the World Test Championship (WTC) Final.
Southee has established himself as New Zealand’s foremost wicket taker in international cricket, amassing 770 wickets across all formats. Since joining the Black Caps Test squad in 2008, he has achieved 385 wickets with an average of 29.89 in 104 Test matches. His record is exceptional, featuring one 10-wicket haul and fifteen 5-wicket hauls.
The upcoming series in which Southee competes against England will be poignant as he concludes his Test cricket career on home soil.
The England series is essential for New Zealand to have any chance of winning the World Test Championship. A favorable showing might put them in the top two and guarantee a seat in the June 2025 WTC final at Lord’s.
The Black Caps aim for a WTC final berth as they attempt to add another international crown to their collection. New Zealand holds fourth in the rankings, trailing only Australia, India, and Sri Lanka.
Sam Wells, a New Zealand selector, said the series was an appropriate send-off to one of the nation’s best cricketers and acknowledged its importance for the team’s WTC hopes.
“It’s a huge series for the team in terms of the World Test Championship, and having to say goodbye to someone like Tim Southee now only makes it more significant,” Wells stated.
“Representing the BLACKCAPS for 18 years has been the utmost privilege.” Tim Southee.
Tim Southee informed the media that it has been a privilege to represent New Zealand for 18 years and that he has decided to retire. Southee remarked that competing in his final Test series against the identical adversary at the same venue was distinctive for him.
“Representing New Zealand was my lifelong aspiration.” Southee stated, “Playing for the BLACKCAPS for 18 years has been the utmost honor and privilege, but it now feels appropriate to depart from the game that has provided me with so much,” as reported by NZC.
“Test cricket occupies a significant position in my affections. Thus participating in a major series against the same adversary with whom my Test career commenced years ago, and on three venues that are profoundly meaningful to me. Appears to be the ideal conclusion to my tenure in the black cap,” he remarked.
At the 2008 U19 World Cup, Southee, a fast bowler, won Player of the Tournament, propelling him to prominence. Before his resignation, he temporarily captained the New Zealand Test side. Southee captained New Zealand in 14 Test matches, achieving six triumphs and six defeats, including 0-2 losses against Australia and Sri Lanka.