Legendary New Zealand pacer and ex-captain, Tim Southee, will bid adieu to Test cricket following the upcoming three-Test home series against England, according to an announcement by the nation’s cricket board on Friday. Despite his retirement, Southee will remain available for selection only if New Zealand secure a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final next in June next year. He has also confirmed that he will remain available for domestic and franchise cricket.
The series against England features the first two Tests in Christchurch (from November 28 to December 2) and Wellington (from December 6 to 10). The concluding match is scheduled at Southee’s home turf, Seddon Park in Hamilton, spanning from December 14 to 18.
Decisions on White-Ball cricket
Come December, as Southee turns 36 during the third Test in Hamilton, he will also ponder over his future in white-ball cricket, as the Kiwis prepare to host Sri Lanka for a series of three T20s and three ODIs starting December 28. Southee has distinguished himself with 104 Test appearances for New Zealand, capturing 385 wickets, earning him the second spot behind Sir Richard Hadlee on New Zealand’s leading wicket-takers chart.
A key role in historic series win over India
Southee’s retirement comes shortly after a historic 3-0 series victory in India, where New Zealand became the first touring team to achieve such a feat since 2012-13. Though his wicket tally stood at just three in the first two Tests, Southee’s breakthroughs were crucial, particularly his dismissal of India’s captain Rohit Sharma in a low-scoring first Test, which saw India bowled out for just 46. He also took down India’s top-scorer, Sarfaraz Khan, for 150 in the second innings, ensuring an advantage for his team.
Record-breaking achievements
Debuting in Tests against England in 2008, Southee has emerged as New Zealand’s most triumphant bowler across formats, bagging a total of 770 wickets. Impressively, he’s the solitary player globally to have taken over 300 Test, 200 ODI, and 100 T20I wickets. In a heartfelt address released by New Zealand Cricket, Southee expressed, “Playing for the BLACKCAPS for 18 years has been an exceptional honour and privilege, but it feels like the right moment to step away from the game that has given me so much.“ he said.
“Test cricket holds a special place in my heart, and being able to conclude my career against the team I debuted against, on grounds that hold significant personal importance, feels like an ideal swansong in the black cap. I am forever grateful to my family, friends, coaches, supporters, and everyone involved in the game for their support throughout my career. It’s been a phenomenal journey, and I wouldn’t change a thing.” he added.
World Cup appearances
Southee’s contribution to New Zealand extends to four ODI World Cups, seven T20 World Cups, two Champions Trophy tournaments, and one WTC Final in 2021. During that Southampton final, his pivotal performance with five wickets was crucial in the team’s triumph over India.
New Zealand’s current WTC standing
In the ongoing WTC cycle, New Zealand holds the fourth position with a win percentage of 54.55. They recently celebrated their first series victory in India, achieving a 3-0 whitewash over Rohit Sharma’s squad. The prestigious WTC Final is scheduled to be held at Lord’s in London, commencing on June 11 2025.
Tim Southee bowling stats (All formats)
| Format | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBM | Av. | Econ. | 5 w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 104 | 197 | 23082 | 11506 | 385 | 10/108 | 29.88 | 2.99 | 15 |
| ODIs | 161 | 159 | 8075 | 7448 | 221 | 7/33 | 33.7 | 5.53 | 3 |
| T20Is | 126 | 123 | 2753 | 3671 | 164 | 5/18 | 22.38 | 8 | 2 |
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