Tim Southee To Retire From Tests

Ace Kiwi fast bowler Tim Southee is all set to retire from tests after New Zealand’s three-match test series at home, beginning on November 28th in Christchurch. The New Zealand Cricket Board announced their squad for the upcoming test series at home against England and also revealed the news of Southee’s retirement.

However, Southee has stated that he would be available for selection if the Blackcaps make it to the WTC 2025 final at Lord’s in June next year. The swing bowler would also take a call on his white-ball career when New Zealand hosts Lanka for three T20Is and as many ODIs in December.

Southee who is 35 now made his T20 debut against England in 2008 and announced his arrival in style by taking a fifer in the first innings in Napier. Since then he has picked up 385 wickets in 104 tests for the Blackcaps at 29.87. including fifteen 5-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket haul. With the bat, he has scored 2185 runs with the help of 93 maximums, the sixth most by a player in tests. Southee will end his test career as the second-highest wicket-taker for New Zealand only Behind Richard Hadlee (435). He bagged five wickets in New Zealand’s maiden WTC final victory over India in Southampton in 2021.

The former test captain of New Zealand has expressed his gratitude towards his colleagues and family and his love for test cricket in a statement released by the Kiwi board.

“Representing New Zealand was all I ever dreamed of growing up… To play for the Black Caps for 18 years has been the greatest honor 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.”