Veteran New Zealand player Tim Southee has stepped down as the Test captain of New Zealand, with Tom Latham taking over the role full-time as well, New Zealand Cricket announced on Wednesday (October 2). The announcement came a few days after New Zealand lost 2-0 in the Test series in Sri Lanka as well. However, Latham’s first assignment as full-time captain will be the upcoming Test series against India as well.
Southee, the lead New Zealand speedster, has played 102 Tests so far since making his debut in 2008, claiming 382 wickets. He took over the captaincy from Kane Williamson in December 2022 and led the team in 14 Test matches, with six wins, six losses and two draws as well.
Speaking about his decision to step down, Southee said, “Captaining the BLACKCAPS in a format that’s so special to me, has been an absolute honour and a privilege,” he said. “I’ve always tried to put the team first throughout my career and I believe this decision is the best for the team.”
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“I believe the way I can best serve the team moving forward is focusing on my performances on the field and getting back to my best, to continue taking wickets and helping New Zealand win Test matches. I will, as I’ve always done, continue to support my teammates, especially the exciting young bowlers making their way on the international stage. I wish Tom all the best in the role and he knows I’ll be there to support him on his journey, as he has done for me over the years,” again said Southee.
Gary Stead, the New Zealand head coach, added, “Tim’s a fantastic player and a very good leader who is held in high regard by the players and support staff. He’s been a great servant of New Zealand Cricket over nearly 17 years playing on the international stage, and I’d like to acknowledge his humility in stepping down from the role as Test captain. It’s not easy giving up something you love, but Tim is a true team-man and he’s made the decision with the team’s best interests at heart. He’s one of our greatest ever players and we still very much see him playing a part in our Test side moving forward.”
However, New Zealand, the inaugural World Test Championship winners, are currently placed sixth in the WTC table. They will play three Tests against table-toppers India, with Bengaluru (October 16-20), Pune (October 24-28) and Mumbai (November 1-5) as well.
