"The time feels right to now step away" - Tim Southee to retire from red-ball cricket after NZ vs ENG 2024 Test series
Veteran New Zealand seamer Tim Southee has decided to retire from Test cricket after the upcoming three-Test series against England at home. The 35-year-old has remarked that the Hamilton Test against England will be his last unless the side reaches the World Test Championship (WTC) final next year.
Having taken 770 international wickets for New Zealand and 385 in Tests, the right-arm seamer is undoubtably one of New Zealand's all-time greats. Southee made his debut in 2008 and forged one of the best new-ball bowling combinations with Trent Boult. He was also part of the side that won the World Test Championship (WTC) in 2021, defeating India in the final.
Speaking to the media, Southee addressed his decision, stating that bringing an end to his career where it all started against the same opposition seems the perfect way. As quoted by nzc.nz, he said:
"Representing New Zealand was all I ever dreamed of growing up. To play for the BLACKCAPS 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."
The right-arm seamer had also succeeded Kane Williamson as captain of the Test side, but stepped down ahead of the series in India. With Tom Latham at the helm, the Black Caps created history by winning the series 3-0.
"He’s given his heart and soul to playing for New Zealand" - NZC Chief Executive on Tim Southee
New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive Scott Weenink lauded the 35-year-old's contributions to cricket in the nation and believes he will return in some capacity in the future. Weenink said:
"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. From the moment he exploded on to the Test scene against England in Napier eighteen summers ago, he’s given his heart and soul to playing for New Zealand and has helped the team achieve some unthinkable results."
"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.”
The Test series against England begins on November 28.