Tim Southee’s Test Cricket Journey, journey of one of greatest bowlers in the history of New Zealand cricket is coming to an end that was to be reached one day. He will retire from red-ball cricket once the upcoming England vs New Zealand series is done and dusted۔
Former Kiwi Captain announced that the test match in Hamilton against England will be his last match but the decision comes with a twist. He has also announced that if his side reaches finals of the World Test Championship, he will delay his retirement to after final.
Tim’s Press Conference
“Representing New Zealand was all I ever dreamed of growing up,” he said in his retirement announcement.
“To play for the Black Caps for 18 years has been the greatest honour and privilege, but the time feels right to now step away from the game that has given so much to me”.
“Test cricket holds a special place in my heart, so to be able to play such a big series against the same opponent my Test career began against all those years ago, and on three grounds that are incredibly special to me, seems the perfect way to end my time in the Black Cap”.
“I’ll always be so grateful to my family, friends, coaches, our fans and everyone involved in the game who has supported me and my career over the years.It’s been an amazing ride and I wouldn’t change a thing.
The Swing King’s Reign: Tim Southee’s 18-Year Odyssey in International Cricket
He first rose to fame with his 17-wicket campaign at the U19 World Cup in 2008, at the average of just six, to be named the Player of the Tournament. In his 18-year decorated career since, Southee led the New Zealand bowling attack across all three formats, appearing in four ODI World Cups, seven T20 World Cups, two Champions Trophy tournaments, and a WTC Final in which he picked up a fifer at Southampton.
The best of Tim Southee’s International Cricket Journey
Tim Southee’s cricket career has been marked by several notable achievements. With 770 wickets across all formats, he is New Zealand’s most successful bowler. Southee has also reached significant milestones, including 300 Test wickets, 200 ODI wickets, and 100 T20I wickets.
One of Southee’s most impressive performances was his 7 for 33 against England in the 2015 World Cup. He also played a crucial role in New Zealand’s World Test Championship final victory over India in 2021, taking 4 for 48 in the second innings.
In addition to his bowling achievements, Southee has also demonstrated his batting capabilities. He has scored 93 Test sixes, second only to Brendon McCullum among New Zealanders. Southee’s batting highlight came in his debut Test in 2008, where he scored 77 not out and hit nine sixes.
His retirement from Test cricket marks the end of an era for New Zealand cricket. His contributions to the sport will be remembered for years to come.
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Historic win just before the retirement, One for ages
Most notably, Southee played a pivotal all-round role in New Zealand’s groundbreaking 3-0 sweep of India on their home turf – a feat no visiting team had achieved since the 2012-13 season. Notably, Southee had relinquished the captaincy to Tom Latham ahead of the series.Tim Southee captained the side to six wins, six losses and two draws after taking over from Kane Williamson in 2022.
Southee had handed the Test captaincy over to Tom Latham before that series, and has yet to decide whether he wants to continue his white-ball career into New Zealand’s post-Christmas tour to Sri Lanka.
Scott Weenik about Tim Southee’s test Cricket Journey
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive Scott Weenink saluted him as one of the country’s finest players.
“Tim [Southee] 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,” he said.
“Tim has an incredible bank of experience and knowledge of the game and while he may have called time on his playing career, I’d be surprised if we don’t see him in another capacity at some stage in the future.”
A decision on Tim Southee’s white-ball future remains pending. Following the upcoming three-Test England series, commencing in Christchurch on November 28, he will reassess his position and determine whether he intends to extend his white-ball career or bring it to a close.
“Tim’s durability and resilience has been outstanding,” he said. “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 Black Caps environment”.
“He now deserves some time with his family and I’m sure he will reflect very positively in years to come about his impact and achievements in the game.”
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