After a win in the third test of the England tour of New Zealand 2024, former test skipper Tim Southee delivered a speech following his retirement in a special ceremony at Seddon Park in Hamilton.
Tim Southee has bowed out from New Zealand cricket by helping the team to a big victory over England in his final match for the Black Caps. His 16-year career ended as a most significant player in New Zealand on the international stage.
He picked the wickets of Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell in his final innings to sign off in style, with 391 test wickets. Across the formats he has picked 776 wickets in 394 appearances.
#WTC25 bragging rights for New Zealand as Tim Southee farewells Test cricket with a victory 🏏
More from #NZvENG 👇https://t.co/mqa9MSZIf6
— ICC (@ICC) December 17, 2024
Southee delivered a speech following the win at Seddon Park crowd sharing a emotional note with his fans.
“I’d like to thank a few people. Firstly New Zealand Cricket for everything you’ve done over the last 17 years; it’s been much appreciated,” said the seamer.
“Mum and dad, Brya and the kids. They’re the ones who are with you for the ride, they see the ups and downs and I appreciate everything they’ve done for me over the years,” continued Tim Southee.
He also wanted to thanks his teammates whom he shared a dressing room throughout his career. “This group of guys made the ride so much more enjoyable, as did all the other players I’ve played with. I’ve loved every minute.”
Southee began his cricketing career in February 2008 in a T20 before marking his test debut in Napier. Southee started his career with a five-fer in his first innings which included key dismissals like Michael Vaughan, Andrew Strauss, and Kevin Pietersen.
England’s team in Hamilton provided Southee a guard of honour to memorate his final international game.
He smashed 77* in 40 balls which would be his highest test score, and included the first nine of a remarkable 98 sixes in his test career.
He concluded his test career equalling with Chris Gayle’s tally of 98 sixes and two sixes off from Adam Gilchrist and nine away from former teammate Brendon McCullum.
“Finally I’d like to thank the fans. It’s always great to turn out in front of numbers and this week has been really special. Thank you. I look forward to watching on (as) a fan now, and all the best boys,” concluded Tim Southee.
