New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee experienced a heartfelt moment in his illustrious cricketing career as he received a guard of honour from the England team during his final Test innings at Seddon Park, Hamilton. The applause echoed around the stadium, celebrating the remarkable contributions of the legendary Kiwi cricketer.
It was a fitting tribute to a player who has been a cornerstone of New Zealand cricket for over a decade. Southee’s final walk to the crease came after the dismissal of Mitchell Santner, who fell to England’s young left-arm spinner Jacob Bethell.
As Tim Southee stepped onto the field, the entire England team lined up to form a guard of honour, clapping in unison. He acknowledged the gesture with a handshake from England’s vice-captain and wicketkeeper Ollie Pope, a symbolic passing of respect between adversaries.
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However, the fairy-tale farewell innings eluded Tim Southee as he managed only 2 runs off 6 balls. True to his style, he attempted an aggressive stroke, aiming to clear the boundary against Bethell’s spin. Unfortunately, a mistimed shot resulted in a toe edge that sailed to Zak Crawley at long-on, who completed a straightforward catch.
Tim Southee walks out to bat for the final time in Test cricket to a guard of honour 🥹 pic.twitter.com/BmVRxa72g1
— England’s Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) December 16, 2024
Guard of Honour by the England team as Tim Southee comes on to bat for the final time in Test cricket. What a moment ❤️❤️❤️#NZvENG #tapmad #DontStopStreaming #CatchEveryMatch pic.twitter.com/FAXJv36FGL
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) December 16, 2024
Tim Southee walked off the field to thunderous applause, his bat held high, marking the end of his memorable Test batting career. Despite the low score, Southee’s contributions to the game remained etched in the minds of fans. He retired with an impressive tally of 98 sixes in Test cricket, tying with Chris Gayle for fourth place on the all-time list.
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England skipper Ben Stokes tops the chart, followed by England head coach Brendon McCullum and Australian great Adam Gilchrist. In the first innings of the match, Tim Southee had entertained the crowd with a cameo, smashing three sixes in a brisk 23-run knock-off just 10 balls.
While his final appearance with the bat didn’t yield the runs he might have hoped for, it was a momentous farewell, celebrating the legacy of a player who epitomized New Zealand’s fighting spirit. Fans at Hamilton, and cricket lovers worldwide, bid adieu to a Test cricket icon with cheers and admiration.
