Tim Southee Announces Retirement From Test Cricket

End Of An Era!

New Zealand's seasoned campaigner Tim Southee has announced his retirement from Test Cricket. The Whangarei-born fast bowler will call it a day after playing the test series against England in December at his home ground in Seddon Park at Hamilton.

Southee has also stated that he will make himself available for the World Test Championship Final if New Zealand qualifies for the same. The WTC final is set to be played at Lord's, London in June 2025 next year.

Southee Retires!

"Playing for the New Zealand cricket team in the red-ball format was my ultimate goal," Southee stated. " to play for the Kiwis in the test format for 18 years is a big milestone, it's my biggest privilege & honor to have offered my services to the country. But, I feel this is the right time to say goodbye"

"Test Cricket holds a big & significant place in my heart, to retire in front of a strong opposition like England against whom I started my journey years ago makes it more special, and to retire on those three venues that I've played most of my cricket makes it even more special for me & a perfect set up to hang up my boots"

Southee came into the spotlight in the U-19 World Cup in 2008 where he picked up 18 wickets at an average of 6 & was also named the man of the tournament. Southee has represented New Zealand in all the ICC tournaments post-2008, he has played 4 ODI World Cups, 7 T20 World Cups, 2 Champions Trophies & A WTC final where he won the title under Kane Williamson's captaincy in 2021. Southee picked up a crucial fifer in that final at Southampton.

Southee is New Zealand's second-highest wicket-takers in the test format with 385 test wickets in 104 games. Southee is the only player in the world with 300 test wickets in tests, 200 scalps in ODI's & 100 in T20Is.

In New Zealand's historical test tour of India where they beat India 3-0 in tough conditions of India, Southee played a key role both with bat & ball to help New Zealand claim a series win on Indian soil for the first time.

Southee had also led New Zealand in 13 tests as full-time captain. Before their arrival to India 3-match series Southee stepped down as NZ's test captain & handed over the duties to Tom Latham.

NZC Executive on Southee

NZC Executive Scott Weenink thanked Southee for his services to New Zealand cricket all these years

"Southee has been a big figure in the New Zealand test circuit over these years, he has played a big and crucial role in helping New Zealand cricket go forward, he'll be remembered as a legend for the Kiwi fans out there," he said.

"The moment he stepped onto the field for New Zealand in the white jersey against England 18 years ago, he's given some of the most incredible performances for us in the red-ball format, ensuring the New Zealand test team becomes one of the top teams in test cricket"

"There was already a lot of interest and hype for this test series given the fact that the results we achieved in India a few weeks ago, this series gives us a great chance to give a send-off to Tim Southee who's been a veteran for us all these 18 years. Southee has a wealth of experience in the game, he may have announced his retirement, but, I'll be surprised if he is not he doesn't in any other capacity represent the game"

New Zealand Cricket team's head coach Gary Stead too showered his praise on the veteran Kiwi.

Gary Stead on Southee

"Tim has been a vital cog for us & and this team all these 18 years, he is a big bloke who performs on the big stage whenever the team's backs are placed against the wall. we'll miss Tim's presence in the dressing room."

Tim Southee still hasn't decided on his white-ball future in New Zealand after the tour of Sri Lanka. Southee though, has indicated that he'll continue domestic cricket & franchise cricket.