Tim Southee to Retire from Test Cricket After England Series

Former New Zealand captain Tim Southee has declared his retirement from Test cricket, effective later this year. Southee, who made his debut against England in Napier in March 2008, has accumulated 19 five-wicket hauls over the course of his Test career. The 35-year-old Southee is set to conclude his Test career following the three-match series against England in November and December, unless the Black Caps qualify for the World Test Championship final next year. His final Test match is scheduled to be held at his home ground, Seddon Park in Hamilton, between December 13 and 18. “Representing New Zealand was all I ever dreamed of growing up,” Southee said. “To play for the Black Caps for 18 years has been the greatest honour and privilege, but the time feels right to now step away from the game that has given so much to me.” “It’s been an amazing ride and I wouldn’t change a thing.” Southee was a member of the New Zealand team that secured victory in the inaugural World Test Championship final in 2021. He took over from Kane Williamson as Test captain in December 2022, relinquishing this role last month, with Tom Latham now holding the captaincy. The fast bowler has participated in 102 Test matches, accumulating 385 wickets with an average of 29.87, placing him second only to Richard Hadlee (431 wickets) for the highest number of Test wickets by a New Zealand bowler. Furthermore, he is the sole player to have surpassed 300 Test, 200 One-Day International, and 100 Twenty20 International wickets. “Tim’s durability and resilience has been outstanding,” said Black Caps head coach Gary Stead. “He’s an incredibly tough competitor who gets himself up for big occasions and is rarely injured.” “Tim cares deeply about the team, its reputation and performances, and he will be missed within the Black Caps environment.” After the upcoming England Test series, New Zealand is scheduled to play Sri Lanka in a white-ball series. Southee has not yet determined his participation in those fixtures. Southee intends to carry on with domestic and franchise cricket after his Test retirement. The Black Caps have additionally included uncapped players Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy in their squad for the series against England. This marks the first call-up for the 26-year-old all-rounder Smith, who made his international debut in a One-Day International against Sri Lanka in November. Kane Williamson is back in the squad, having missed the series victory in India due to a groin injury. Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner is slated to join the team for the second and third Test matches. The New Zealand squad selected to play England includes: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner (second & third Tests), Nathan Smith, Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young.