New Zealand’s iconic pacer, Tim Southee, will soon bid farewell to the whites, marking the end of an era in Kiwi Test cricket. The New Zealand Cricket Board confirmed on Friday that the veteran bowler will retire after the upcoming three-Test home series against England, closing out a storied 18-year career in the game's longest format.
However, Southee hasn’t entirely turned his back on the red ball; he remains available for selection should New Zealand qualify for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final next June. The three-match farewell series will begin in Christchurch (November 28 - December 2), followed by Wellington (December 6 - 10), and will culminate at Southee’s home ground, Seddon Park in Hamilton (December 14 - 18).
The final Test, where the New Zealand great will turn 36, will be a fitting send-off at a location steeped in personal significance for him. Reflecting on his decision, Southee shared heartfelt words in a statement, emphasizing that representing New Zealand has been “the greatest honour and privilege.”
He added, “Test cricket holds a special place in my heart, and being able to conclude my career against the team I debuted against, on grounds that hold significant personal importance, feels like an ideal swansong in the black cap. I am forever grateful to my family, friends, coaches, supporters, and everyone involved in the game for their support throughout my career.”
A trip to remember for Southee to India!
Southee’s retirement comes after a historic 3-0 series sweep in India, a rare achievement for a visiting team. His knack for breaking through opposition defences—such as his key dismissal of India’s captain Rohit Sharma in the first Test—proved instrumental in New Zealand's success.
Although he captured only three wickets in the series, his timing and strategy played pivotal roles in critical moments, underscoring his lasting value to the team. Since his debut against England in 2008, Southee has become New Zealand's all-time leading wicket-taker across formats, amassing 770 wickets.
His versatility is unmatched, being the only player globally to secure over 300 Test, 200 ODI, and 100 T20I wickets. His consistent impact in white-ball cricket, especially across four ODI World Cups, seven T20 World Cups, and the 2021 WTC Final, remains a testament to his adaptability and dedication.