Tim Southee Retire from Test Cricket with a Victory
New Zealand’s star pacer Tim Southee brings his illustrious Test career to a close with a commanding victory in Hamilton. 🇳🇿❤️ A perfect farewell!
Tim Southee, a distinguished New Zealand cricketer, has retired from Test cricket following New Zealand's emphatic 423-run victory over England at Seddon Park in Hamilton.
This match marked the conclusion of a remarkable 16-year Test career, during which Southee secured 391 wickets, ranking him second only to Sir Richard Hadlee in New Zealand's Test wicket-takers.
Debuting in 2008 against England, Southee quickly became renowned for his skillful swing bowling and lower-order batting prowess. His career highlights include a pivotal role in New Zealand's victory in the 2021 World Test Championship and participation in the finals of the 2015 and 2019 Cricket World Cups. Notably, he ranks among the top for hitting sixes in Test cricket, with a total of 98, reflecting his aggressive batting style.
In his final Test, Southee's leadership as captain was instrumental in New Zealand's record-setting win, their largest ever by runs. The match also featured standout performances from spinner Mitchell Santner, who took seven wickets, and newcomer Will O'Rourke, whose high-speed bowling posed significant challenges for England.
Reflecting on his retirement, Southee expressed gratitude for his "incredible journey" in Test cricket and enthusiasm for the future of New Zealand cricket, stating, "It’s time for these young guys... I’m excited to sit back and watch them continue to take this team forward."
Southee's departure marks the end of an era for New Zealand cricket, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional skill, leadership, and sportsmanship that has inspired both teammates and fans worldwide.