New Zealand’s second-highest test wicket-taker of all time, Tim Southee has announced his retirement plans and revealed that the test series against England will be his last set to finish up at his home ground in Hamilton.
South has claimed 385 test wickets in 104 appearances is behind Sir Richard Hardie and is set to bring his career full circle, having debuted against England as a 19 year old in March 2008.
However, he will be available for WTC finals at Lord’s if New Zealand qualify. He picked three crucial wickets during the India tour including Rohit Sharma, India’s top scorer Sarfaraz Khan in the test series.
Southee handed the captaincy to Tom Latham ahead of India tests and has yet to decide whether he wants to continue his white ball career into New Zealand’s tour to Sri Lanka.
“Representing New Zealand was all I ever dreamed of growing up,” Southee said in his retirement announcement.
New Zealand cricket great Tim Southee plans to finish his Test career at his home ground of Seddon Park in Hamilton against England this December. https://t.co/L0li6zMeAT
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 14, 2024
“To play for the Black Caps for 18 years has been the greatest honour and privilege, but the time feels right to now step away from the game that has given so much to me.
“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.
“I’ll always be so grateful to my family, friends, coaches, our fans and everyone involved in the game who has supported me and my career over the years,” he added. “It’s been an amazing ride and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
The New Zealand head coach Gary Stead spoke about Southee’s durability and resilience and is dedication to the team.
“Tim’s durability and resilience has been outstanding. He’s an incredibly tough competitor who gets himself up for big occasions and is rarely injured.”
Tim cares deeply about the team, its reputation and performances, and he will be missed within the Black Caps environment.”
“He now deserves some time with his family and I’m sure he will reflect very positively in years to come about his impact and achievements in the game,” Gary Stead concluded.
However, Southee would remain available for domestic and franchise cricket. Tim Southee along with Kane Williamson has been named in the New Zealand squad for England tests.
New Zealand would likely aim for a clean sweep to have any chances of finishing in top two places of WTC standings and qualify for the finals at Lord’s.
The first match of the test series will begin on November 28 at Hagley Oval.
