Tom Latham has been appointed as the New Zealand test captain ahead of the three-match test series against India after Tim Southee stepped down as test captain.
Tom Latham has captained the test side nine times on previous occasions and will be leading a 15-member squad including Southee to India next Friday.
Southee has been in charge of the New Zealand test side since Kane Williamson stepped down at the end of 2022. He has captained the side in 14 matches the side to 6 victories, 2 draws and 6 losses.
The 35-year-old believes that his stepping down from captaincy was in the best interests of the team and said that he will support Tom Latham as the new captain.
While stepping down from captaincy, Southee said, “Captaining the Black Caps in a format that’s so special to me, has been an absolute honour and a privilege. I’ve always tried to put the team first throughout my career and I believe this decision is the best for the team.”
Tim Southee has stepped down as BLACKCAPS Test captain, with Tom Latham confirmed to take up the role full-time.
Latham, who has captained the Test side on nine previous occasions, will lead a 15-strong Test squad including Southee, to India next Friday https://t.co/rdMjvX6Nd5
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) October 1, 2024
“I believe the way I can best serve the team moving forward is focusing on my performances on the field and getting back to my best, to continue taking wickets and helping New Zealand win Test matches,” Southee said.
“I will, as I’ve always done, continue to support my teammates, especially the exciting young bowlers making their way on the international stage. I wish Tom all the best in the role and he knows I’ll be there to support him on his journey, as he has done for me over the years,” Southee added.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead said tribute to Southee who has given valiant contributions to the side in red-ball cricket for over a decade.
“Tim’s a fantastic player and a very good leader who is held in high regard by the players and support staff. He’s been a great servant of New Zealand Cricket over nearly 17 years playing on the international stage, and I’d like to acknowledge his humility in stepping down from the role as Test captain,” Stead said.
“It’s not easy giving up something you love, but Tim is a true team man and he’s made the decision with the team’s best interests at heart. He’s one of our greatest ever players and we still very much see him playing a part in our Test side moving forward,” Stead added.
New Zealand will be playing their first match of India tests starting on October 20 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
