Veteran New Zealand all-rounder Tim Southee is set to retire from Test cricket after three matches against England at home. Tim Southee has announced that he will retire from Test cricket on home soil if New Zealand fail to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final.
Southee is New Zealand’s all-time highest wicket-taker in international cricket with 770 wickets across all three formats. He made his Test debut for the Black Caps in 2008. The pacer took 385 wickets in 104 Test matches at an average of 29.89, including 15 five-wicket hauls and 1 ten-wicket haul.
All I dreamed of growing up – Tim Southee
Speaking to the media, Tim Southee said it was a great honor to represent New Zealand for 18 years and added: does it’s the right time to walk away. Southee added that it was incredibly special for him to play the last Test series against the same opponent and at the same venue.
“Representing New Zealand was the only thing I dreamed about growing up. It has been a great honor and privilege to play for the BLACKCAPS for 18 years, but the time has come to walk away from a game that has given me so much,” Southee was quoted as saying by nzc.nz.
“Test cricket holds a special place in my heart, so to be able to play such a big series against the same opposition that started my Test career all those years ago, and with three bases that are incredibly special to me, seems like the perfect way to go. to end my time in the black hat,” he added.
Tim Southee captained New Zealand in 14 Test matches
Southee rose to prominence after a spectacular performance at the 2008 U19 World Cup in which he scored 17 goals and was named Player of the Tournament. Paser was also part of the 2021 World Test Championship Final victory. He secured a five-wicket haul against India at Southampton.
Southee briefly captained the New Zealand Test team before stepping down before the series in India. Southee led New Zealand in 14 Tests with six wins and six losses. “Black caps” won 0:2 against Australia and Sri Lanka.
He Will Be Remembered As The Winner Of The Modern New Zealand Game – Scott Weenink
New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive Scott Weenink has praised Tim Southee for his illustrious career, describing him as a giant of modern New Zealand cricket. Weenink hoped that Southee would make some return to cricket in the future.
“Tim has played a constant role in the improvement of the BLACKCAPS and he will be remembered as a giant of the modern New Zealand game. From the moment he burst onto the Test scene against England in Napier eighteen summers ago, he has given his strength. He has given heart and soul to playing for New Zealand and has given the team some unimaginable helped get results,” Weenink said.
“Tim has incredible experience and knowledge of the game and although he is calling time on his playing career, I would be surprised if we don’t see him at another stage in the future.”
