Tim Southee, the experienced fast bowler from New Zealand, has confirmed his retirement from Test cricket. Reflecting on his journey, Southee said, “It has been an incredible honor to represent New Zealand for 18 years. Playing for my country was a lifelong dream.”
At 35, Southee has garnered high praise from New Zealand’s head coach, Gary Stead, who hailed his career as exceptional. “Tim’s records speak for themselves; he’s been a pillar of New Zealand’s cricketing achievements,” Stead stated.
Southee will take to the field for his final Test match against England next month in Hamilton. However, if New Zealand qualifies for the World Test Championship final, he has expressed his willingness to remain available for selection. Following the Test series against England, he will decide on his future in white-ball cricket.
Southee has represented New Zealand in 104 Tests, 161 ODIs, and 126 T20Is. In Tests, he has taken 385 wickets, while in ODIs, he has claimed 221 wickets, and in T20Is, he has 164 wickets to his name.
Notably, Southee is New Zealand’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests after Sir Richard Hadlee, who holds 431 wickets. Southee kicked off his Test career on March 22, 2008, debuting against England in Napier at the young age of 19.
Looking back on his career, Southee expressed, “Playing for New Zealand has been a lifelong dream come true. Representing the Black Caps for 18 years is a privilege I will always cherish.”
The third and final Test between New Zealand and England is scheduled to start on December 14 in Hamilton.
