Tim Southee Announces Retirement from Test Cricket

New Zealand's legendary pacer Tim Southee has announced that he will retire from Test cricket. He plans to conclude his Test career during the upcoming December series against England, which will be held at his home ground, Seddon Park in Hamilton.

Southee confirmed that the three-match Test series against England will be his last, unless New Zealand qualifies for the ICC World Test Championship Final in June.

Regarding his retirement, Southee stated, "Playing for New Zealand has always been my dream. Playing for 18 years with the Black Caps has been a huge honor and achievement. But time is telling me that now is the right moment to step away from a game that has given me so much."

He further added, "Test cricket has a special place in my heart, so it will be the best way for me to finish my Test career by playing such a big series against the team I started my career with, at three iconic grounds with the Black Caps."

Southee expressed his gratitude to everyone who has supported him throughout his career, saying, "I will always be grateful to my family, friends, coaches, our fans, and everyone involved in the game who has supported me and my career year after year."

New Zealand Cricket's CEO, Scott Roberston, congratulated Southee, recognizing him as one of New Zealand's finest cricketers. He acknowledged the immense contribution Southee made to the team over the last decade, especially his pivotal role in the team’s success. "Southee has been steadfast in shaping the destiny of the Black Caps, and he will always be remembered," Robertson said.

Southee has taken a remarkable 385 wickets in Tests, making him the second-highest wicket-taker for New Zealand in Test cricket. Across all formats, he has accumulated 770 international wickets. He is the only New Zealand cricketer to have taken 700 wickets in international cricket. Since his debut, Southee has played 104 out of New Zealand’s 137 Test matches.

It is worth mentioning that Tim Southee made his international debut in 2008 in a T20 match against England. He also debuted in Test and ODI formats the same year, against England. Tim Southee is the only player in the world to have taken over 300 wickets in Tests, 200 wickets in ODIs, and 100 wickets in T20Is.