Tim Southee, the esteemed New Zealand fast bowler, has officially announced his retirement from international Test cricket following the conclusion of the ongoing series against England. The 36-year-old made this announcement prior to the series, stating that it felt like the right time to step away after an illustrious career that spanned nearly two decades.
Career Hihglights
. Wickets – Southee retires as New Zealand’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket with 389 wickets, trailing only Sir Richard Hadlee, who has 431. He is also the highest wicket-taker for New Zealand across all formats, with a total of 774 international wickets.
. Debut and Milestones – He made his Test debut against England in March 2008 and has since played 107 Tests. His career includes significant achievements such as being part of New Zealand’s squad that won the ICC World Test Championship in 2021.
. Batting Prowess – In addition to his bowling, Southee is known for his batting capabilities, holding the record for the fourth-most sixes hit by a player in Test cricket history.
Final Match and Farewell
Southee’s last appearance was marked by an emotional farewell at Seddon Park in Hamilton, where he received a guard of honor from England players as he walked onto the field. This moment was further cherished as he carried his daughter onto the pitch, symbolizing both personal and professional milestones. In his final innings, he scored a quick 23 runs off just 10 balls, showcasing his all-rounder skills one last time.
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Reflecting on his career, Southee expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout his journey and emphasized that playing for New Zealand was a lifelong dream fulfilled. He mentioned that while he is stepping away from Test cricket, he remains open to participating in domestic and franchise cricket in the future.
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