Prachi Kapruwan
New Zealand’s legendary seam bowler, Tim Southee has announced that the upcoming three-match home Test series against England will be his final in the red-ball format for New Zealand, on his home ground in Hamilton next month.
The 35-year-old made his debut in Napier in March 2008 against England, has a tremendous career for the Blackcaps in the Test format.
Tim Southee has played 104 matches in total, claiming 385 wickets with an economy of 2.99.
“Representing New Zealand was all I ever dreamed” - Tim Southee
Talking about his retirement Southee said that representing New Zealand was all he ever dreamed of growing.
Southee said that playing for the team was the greatest honor but now the time feels right to step away.
Test cricket will always hold a special place in Southee's heart.
“Representing New Zealand was all I ever dreamed of growing. To play for the Black Caps for 18 years has been the greatest honor 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.”
Currently, Southee is the second-leading wicket-taker in Test cricket for New Zealand behind Sir Viv Richard Hadle (431). However, he will make himself available for the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June if the team is able to qualify for the tournament.