Leg and Off: Should New Zealand give Tim Southee his farewell match in 3rd NZ vs ENG Test in Hamilton?
Veteran New Zealand pacer Tim Southee is under the scanner, with his place in the side under debate after their massive 323-run defeat against England at Wellington in the second Test of the ongoing three-match series.
New Zealand lost the first Test in Christchurch as well and with the defeat at Wellington, they have already conceded the home series with England enjoying an unassailable 2-0 lead.
The third and final Test of the series is set to begin on Saturday, December 14. Following the heavy loss, former Kiwi cricketer Ian Smith called for changes in the side, including dropping Tim Southee right away.
Southee had announced that he would retire after the conclusion of the England Test series. However, Smith believes Southee needs to be dropped. Considering the veteran bowler's decision to retire after the series, the third Test could potentially be his farewell game.
"Let's put a full stop on this era, and use this next Test match as the start of a new one. Let's start the next cycle, and just don't give away opportunities to people who have given long service; you don't do that. That's what you get MBE and OBE's for, but you don't get given Test matches and five-day farewells. I'm afraid the player taking the least wickets, being the least effective - and has been for quite some time - has been Tim Southee, and he should go," Ian Smith said on Sport Nation NZ.
Should New Zealand give Tim Southee his farewell game in Hamilton?
Statistically speaking, Tim Southee has struggled in the two Tests of the ongoing series against England. He has managed to pick up just four wickets at an average of 61.50 and an economy rate of over 5.
Moreover, his form in the longest format this year has not been great either, as he has grabbed only 15 wickets from ten games with a poor average of 61.66. Overall in his Test career, Southee has played 106 games and has 389 wickets to his name, placing him among New Zealand's all-time greats.
For an international career of over 16 years, it can be argued that Southee deserves a farewell Test. However, his current form and poor performances make it a difficult decision for New Zealand. Notably, Hamilton is also his home ground, which sets it up for a perfect goodbye.
Should the surface turn out to be as it usually is at Seddon Park, the selectors may have no choice but to play Tim Southee in the final Test. Along with Matt Henry, Will O'Rourkee, and Nathan Smith, Southee is among the only four seamers in the New Zealand squad. Should the wicket demand four seamers being played, Southee will automatically find a place in the XI irrespective of his current form.
The fast bowler also recently played a Plunkett Shield game in November on the same surface, and his input and experience could prove to be valuable. Moreover, in two Shield games at the venue this season, spinners have taken just two wickets, strengthing the case for Tim Southee to be included in the side.
It would be a rather bold call from New Zealand if they decide against giving Southee a farewell Test in Hamilton. However, given his poor current form, the decision to play him might only be taken after assessing the conditions.
Notably, Southee has retained his place in the 14-man squad for the final Test against England at Hamilton.