Tim Southee set to retire from Test cricket in December at his home ground, Seddon Park in Hamilton, during a series against England. He is New Zealand’s all-time leading wicket-taker in international cricket. However, he has said that he will make himself available for New Zealand if the team qualifies for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final next June.
Southee said, “Playing for New Zealand was my dream growing up. It’s been an honor to represent the BlackCaps for 18 years, but now feels like the right time to step away from the game that has given me so much.”
He added that Test cricket has always been special to him, and playing his final series against the same team (England) he debuted against, on grounds that mean a lot to him, feels like the perfect way to end his career.
Southee first made a name for himself in 2008, when he took 17 wickets at the U19 World Cup, earning Player of the Tournament honors. Over his 18-year career, he has led New Zealand’s bowling attack in all formats. He has played in four ODI World Cups, seven T20 World Cups, two Champions Trophy tournaments, and a WTC Final, where he took a five-wicket haul in Southampton.
With 385 Test wickets in 104 matches, Southee is New Zealand’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. He is also the only player in the world with over 300 Test wickets, 200 ODI wickets, and 100 T20I wickets.
Most recently, he played a key role in New Zealand’s historic 3-0 series win over India in India – the first time a visiting team had achieved this since the 2012-13 season. Before the series, he passed the captaincy to Tom Latham.
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NZC chief executive Scott Weenink praised Southee as one of New Zealand’s greatest players, especially for his contributions to the team’s success in Test cricket. “Tim has been a constant presence in the BlackCaps’ rise, and he will be remembered as one of the giants of modern New Zealand cricket,” he said.
Coach Gary Stead also praised Southee for his toughness and leadership. “Tim’s durability and resilience have been outstanding. He always steps up for big occasions and is rarely injured. He’s been a great competitor, and we will miss him in the BlackCaps environment.”
Although Southee hasn’t decided if he’ll continue playing white-ball cricket after New Zealand’s tour of Sri Lanka post-Christmas, he has said he will remain available for domestic and franchise cricket.
