Tim Southee, a distinguished New Zealand fast bowler, concluded his 16-year Test cricket career with a victory over England in Hamilton on December 17, 2024. Tim Southee, New Zealand’s legendary seam bowler, has announced his retirement from Test cricket, effective after the upcoming three-match series against England. The 35-year-old has played 104 Tests, taking 385 wickets at an average of 29.87, second only to Sir Richard Hadlee (431) among New Zealanders.
Career Highlights
- Made his Test debut against England in 2008 and has been a mainstay of the New Zealand team since then
- Has taken 385 wickets in 104 Tests, with a best innings haul of 7/64 against Pakistan in 2014
- Has also played in four ODI World Cups and seven T20 World Cups for New Zealand
- Is the only player in the world to have more than 300 Test wickets, 200 ODI wickets, and 100 T20I wickets
- Has captained New Zealand 14 times in Test cricket, taking on the role full-time from 2022 until September
Retirement Announcement
Southee made the announcement on November 17, 2024, stating that the upcoming series against England would be his last in Test cricket, unless New Zealand qualifies for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final next June. He will make a decision after the series on whether he has one final white-ball farewell in him, with New Zealand facing Sri Lanka in three ODIs and three T20s at home from December 28.
Reaction
New Zealand Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink saluted Southee as one of the country’s finest players, saying: “Tim has been a constant in the improving fortunes of the Blackcaps and he’ll be remembered as a giant of the modern New Zealand game.”
Blackcaps coach Gary Stead praised Southee’s durability and resilience, saying: “Tim’s durability and resilience has been outstanding… He’s an incredibly tough competitor who gets himself up for big occasions and is rarely injured. Tim cares deeply about the team, its reputation and performances, and he will be missed within the Blackcaps environment.”
Final Test Series
Southee’s final Test series ill be against England, with the matches scheduled to take place in Christchurch (November 28), Wellington (December 6), and Hamilton (December 13-18). The series will be a fitting farewell for the legendary bowler, who will have the opportunity to play on three grounds that hold special significance for him.
