Tim Southee is set to retire from Test cricket at his home ground, Seddon Park in Hamilton, following the England series this December.
New Zealand’s highest wicket-taker in international cricket, Southee has, however, made himself available for the national team should they qualify for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final next June.
“Representing New Zealand was all I ever dreamed of growing up,” Southee 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 first gained attention with a remarkable 17-wicket campaign at the 2008 U19 World Cup, earning Player of the Tournament honors.
Over his 18-year career, he has been a cornerstone of New Zealand’s bowling attack in all formats, featuring in four ODI World Cups, seven T20 World Cups, two Champions Trophy tournaments, and a WTC Final where he took a five-wicket haul at Southampton.
As New Zealand’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, Southee has claimed 385 wickets in 104 matches.
He is the only player in history to take over 300 wickets in Tests, 200 in ODIs, and 100 in T20Is.
Southee’s recent all-round performance played a key role in New Zealand’s historic 3-0 whitewash of India in India, marking the first such series win by a visiting team since the 2012-13 season.
He had already passed on the captaincy to Tom Latham before the series.
NZC chief executive Scott Weenink praised Southee as one of the country’s all-time greats, especially for his contribution to New Zealand’s red-ball success in recent years.
“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,” he said.
“From his debut against England in Napier, Tim has given his heart and soul to New Zealand cricket and helped the team achieve unthinkable results.”
Head coach Gary Stead also lauded Southee’s resilience, toughness, and leadership.
“Tim’s durability has been outstanding.
He gets himself up for big occasions, is rarely injured, and deeply cares about the team.
His absence will be felt, but he deserves time with his family and will reflect positively on his incredible career.”
While Southee is yet to decide on his future regarding white-ball cricket, including the post-Christmas tour of Sri Lanka, he has indicated that he plans to remain available for domestic and franchise cricket.
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