New Zealand speedster Tim Southee has announced his retirement from Test cricket, making the upcoming home series against England his final outing in the format, unless New Zealand qualifies for the ICC World Test Championship final which is scheduled to take place next year in June.
Southee will play his last Test match in the iconic Kiwi whites at Seddon Park in Hamilton, where the third Test against England is scheduled from December 14-18. Approaching his 36th birthday, Southee retires as New Zealand’s leading wicket-taker across all formats, with a remarkable 770 wickets. In Tests, he ranks only behind the legendary Richard Hadlee, having taken 385 wickets over 104 matches.
Southee revealed that he plans to decide on his future in white-ball cricket before New Zealand's upcoming home series against Sri Lanka at the end of December. Since his international debut in 2008, the right-arm pacer has become the only fast bowler to play 100 matches in each format. Southee also stands alone as the only bowler to have taken over 300 wickets in Tests, 200 in ODIs, and 100 in T20Is.
“Representing New Zealand was all I ever dreamed of growing up,” he said.
“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,” Southee said in a statement.
Southee stepped down as Test captain last month before New Zealand's tour of India where Blackcaps led by Tom Latham whitewashed India 3-0. Throughout his career, Southee has played in four ODI World Cups, seven T20 World Cups, and two Champions Trophy tournaments. A key figure in New Zealand's victory in the inaugural World Test Championship final in 2021, he took five wickets in the decisive match against India.
