Tim Southee to Retire from Test Cricket After England Series
In Short
- Tim Southee will retire from Test cricket after New Zealand’s series against England, ending an 18-year career.
- He has taken 385 wickets in 104 Tests, second only to Sir Richard Hadlee in New Zealand’s history.
- Southee’s final Test will be played at his home ground in Hamilton, marking the end of his Test journey.
- Kane Williamson returns to the squad for the England series, while uncapped duo Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith are included.
Tim Southee, the experienced New Zealand fast bowler, has announced his retirement from Test cricket after the upcoming series against England. At 35, Southee has been a key figure in New Zealand cricket since his debut in 2008.
With 385 wickets in 104 Tests, he ranks second behind Sir Richard Hadlee in New Zealand’s all-time Test wicket tally. Southee’s retirement will mark the end of an illustrious 18-year career in the longest format of the game.
Southee expressed that playing for New Zealand was a dream come true, and he feels it’s the right time to step away. He will finish his Test career at his home ground, Seddon Park in Hamilton, where the final match of the series will be held.
Over his career, Southee has achieved several milestones, including being the only player to take over 300 Test wickets, 200 ODI wickets, and 100 T20 wickets. He captained New Zealand from 2022 to 2023 before passing the leadership to Tom Latham.
The Black Caps have named a strong 14-man squad for the England series, including returning star Kane Williamson, who was sidelined with a groin injury during New Zealand’s recent 3-0 victory in India.
While Southee has decided to retire from Test cricket, he has not ruled out playing in white-ball formats for New Zealand, depending on their progress in the World Test Championship and future series.
Head coach Gary Stead praised Southee’s resilience, describing him as a tough competitor who has consistently risen to the occasion. Southee’s leadership and influence will be missed in the dressing room.
New Zealand’s squad for the series against England also includes uncapped players Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith. Mitchell Santner will join the squad for the second and third Tests, adding depth to the team.
