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Black Cap Tim Southee to retire from Test cricket after England series

November 15, 2024
Black Cap Tim Southee.

Black Cap Tim Southee has announced he plans to retire from Test cricket after the England Test series in December.

Southee confirmed the three-Test series against England would be his last for New Zealand, however he would make himself available for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final next year, should the Black Caps qualify for it.

His final Test would be at his home ground of Seddon Park in Hamilton on December 14.

Earlier this year, the 35-year-old stepped down as Test captain after a disappointing Sri Lanka tour, which led to Tom Latham captaining the Test side to a series clean-sweep in India.

Southee will be 36 by the time the third Test in Hamilton starts and he said it was a tough decision to retire, but one which he was at peace with.

"Representing New Zealand was all I ever dreamed of growing up," said Southee.

Southee has been part of the Black Caps for 18 years and he has made 391 appearances in that time.

"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 is the Black Caps all-time leading international wicket-taker taking 770 wickets with 385 of those coming in red/pink-ball cricket.

"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.

Tim Southee appeals for a wicket against Australia.

"I'll always be so grateful to my family, friends, coaches, our fans and everyone involved in the game who has supported me and my career over the years.

"It's been an amazing ride and I wouldn't change a thing."

Following the England series, Southee will make a decision on whether he has one final Black Caps white-ball "swansong" against Sri Lanka after Christmas.

Southee said he's excited by the new group of fast bowlers which has emerged in recent years, with the likes of Ben Sears and Will O'Rourke showing that they are capable of performing well at an international level.

"I've really loved working with these exciting young bowlers and watching them perform at the highest level. Now it's their turn to take this team forward and they know I'll always be there to support, from near or far."

Black Caps coach Gary Stead said Southee's longevity playing international cricket for New Zealand is a huge achievement.

"Tim's durability and resilience has been outstanding," Stead said.

"He's an incredibly tough competitor who gets himself up for big occasions and is rarely injured.

"Tim cares deeply about the team, its reputation and performances, and he will be missed within the Black Caps environment.

"He now deserves some time with his family and I'm sure he will reflect very positively in years to come about his impact and achievements in the game."

Tim Southee bowling against Sri Lanka.

NZC chief executive Scott Weenink acknowledged the role Southee has played in helping shape the Black Caps side over the last decade.

"Tim has been a constant in the improving fortunes of the Black Caps and he'll be remembered as a giant of the modern New Zealand game," Weenink said.

"There's already unprecedented interest in this England Test tour and I'm sure the chance to farewell one of our all-time greats will only further drive the anticipation and hype for this series."

Southee made his debut in 2008, and is currently the only player in the world to claim more than 300 Test wickets, 200 ODI wickets and 100 T20I wickets.

Southee indicated he would still remain available for domestic and franchise cricket moving forward.

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