New Zealand’s veteran pacer Tim Southee bid an emotional farewell to Test cricket, bringing the curtains down on a remarkable 17-year career. The 36-year-old officially retired following New Zealand’s emphatic 423-run win over England in the third Test at Hamilton’s Seddon Park on December 17. While the victory was bittersweet due to New Zealand’s 2-1 series loss, the occasion firmly belonged to Southee, who was celebrated by teammates, fans, and the legendary Sir Richard Hadlee.
Southee made his Test debut in 2008 at just 19 against England, immediately announcing his arrival with a brilliant 5/55 and a blistering 77* off just 40 balls, which featured nine sixes. That impressive start was the precursor to a career defined by skill, longevity, and an unwavering commitment to New Zealand cricket. In his final Test, Southee claimed two wickets in England’s second innings, closing his illustrious career with 391 wickets in 94 matches.
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The right-arm swing bowler retires as New Zealand’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, trailing only Sir Richard Hadlee, who claimed 431 wickets. Southee also carved a niche for his power hitting, ending his career with 98 sixes—tying with Chris Gayle’s record—while contributing seven Test fifties. His highest score remains the unbeaten 77 from his debut, a testament to his all-round ability.
Post-match, Tim Southee was honored with a heartfelt guard of honor from his teammates, led by Sir Richard Hadlee, who played a role in selecting Southee for his first Test. Praising the pacer’s skill and career longevity, Hadlee remarked, “Tim is a true champion. His classical outswinger and scrambled seam deliveries have been the hallmarks of his success.”
𝗧𝗶𝗺 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀
The pacer finishes with 391 scalps in Test cricket, the most for New Zealand after Richard Hadlee (431).
𝙍𝙀𝘼𝘿 𝙃𝙀𝙍𝙀 ⬇️https://t.co/08angLcY6P
— Cricket.com (@weRcricket) December 17, 2024
In an emotional farewell speech, Southee thanked New Zealand Cricket, his family, teammates, support staff, and the fans who supported him through the highs and lows of his journey. He reflected on iconic moments, including his career-best seven-wicket haul against India in 2014 and his contributions to New Zealand’s World Test Championship triumph in 2021.
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With Southee’s retirement, New Zealand bids goodbye to the iconic pace trio of Southee, Trent Boult, and Neil Wagner, marking the end of an era. Looking ahead, Southee hinted at revisiting his childhood love for rugby, saying, “It’s always been a dream, but I’ll have to see how the body feels over the next while.”
Southee’s departure leaves an indelible mark on New Zealand cricket—a legacy of passion, skill, and consistency that will inspire future generations.
