Tim Southee has decided to call time on his Test career with New Zealand. The right-arm fast bowler will hang up his boots after the Test series against England at home next month.
Southee will don the whites for one last time in the Hamilton Test starting on December 14, 2024. However, he will be available to play in the WTC Final 2025 if New Zealand qualifies for the summit clash.
Just last month, Southee stepped down as New Zealand’s captain before their historic series win in India. He also said he would take a final call on his limited-overs cricket before the series against Sri Lanka in late December. The pacer, though, will continue to play in domestic and franchise cricket.
“Representing New Zealand was all I ever dreamed of growing up. 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,” Southee said in a statement.
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“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,” he added.
In his 16 years of Test career, Southee has been the leader of New Zealand’s pace attack. He made his Test debut in 2008 against England, and he will play his last match against the same opponent after 16 years.
Earlier this year, Southee played his 100th Test match. Southee is among a few cricketers who have featured in 100 or more matches in all three formats.
Thus far, Southee has taken 385 wickets in 104 Tests, including 15 fifers and a ten-wicket haul. His Test wicket tally is second after Sir Richard Hadlee (431) for New Zealand. Overall, Southee is the leading wicket-taker for the Black Caps across formats, with 770 wickets in 391 matches.
Southee played a crucial role in New Zealand’s WTC victory in 2021. He picked up five wickets in the match, but his four for 48 in the second innings set up an easy win over India.
