Veteran New Zealand pacer Tim Southee is set to retire from Test cricket after the upcoming three-match series against England on home soil. Tim Southee has announced that he will retire from Test cricket at his home ground unless New Zealand qualifies for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final.
Southee is New Zealand’s all-time highest wicket-taker in international cricket, with 770 wickets across all three formats. He made his Test debut for the Black Caps in 2008. The pacer has taken 385 wickets in 104 Test matches at an average of 29.89, including 15 five-wicket hauls and 1 ten-wicket haul.
All I Ever Dreamed Of Growing Up – Tim Southee
Speaking to the media, Tim Southee said that representing New Zealand for 18 years has been a great honor, adding that it is the right time to step away. Southee added that playing his last Test series against the same opponent and at the same venue was incredibly special to him.
“Representing New Zealand was all I ever dreamed of growing up. To play for the BLACKCAPS for 18 years has been the greatest honor and privilege, but the time feels right to now step away from the game that has given so much to me,” Southee said, as quoted by nzc.nz.
“Test cricket holds a special place in my heart, so to be able to play such a big series against the same opponent my Test career began against all those years ago, and on three grounds that are incredibly special to me, seems the perfect way to end my time in the black cap,” he added.
Tim Southee Captained New Zealand in 14 Test Matches
Southee gained attention after an outstanding performance at the 2008 U19 World Cup, where he claimed 17 wickets and won the Player of the Tournament title. The pacer was also part of the World Test Championship Final win in 2021. He secured a five-wicket haul against India at Southampton.
Southee captained the New Zealand Test team for a brief period before stepping down ahead of the series in India. Southee led New Zealand in 14 Tests, with six wins and six losses. The Black Caps suffered 0-2 whitewashes against Australia and Sri Lanka.
He’ll Be Remembered As A Gaint of The Modern New Zealand Game – Scott Weenink
New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive Scott Weenink praised Tim Southee for his illustrious career, describing him as a giant of modern New Zealand cricket. Weenink hoped that Southee would return to cricket in some capacity in the future.
“Tim has been a constant in the improving fortunes of the BLACKCAPS and he’ll be remembered as a giant of the modern New Zealand game. From the moment he exploded on to the Test scene against England in Napier eighteen summers ago, he’s given his heart and soul to playing for New Zealand and has helped the team achieve some unthinkable results,” Weenink said.
“Tim has an incredible bank of experience and knowledge of the game and while he may have called time on his playing career, I’d be surprised if we don’t see him in another capacity at some stage in the future.”
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