November 15th 2024.
In December, New Zealand's all-time leading wicket-taker, Tim Southee, will be playing his final Test match at his home ground of Seddon Park in Hamilton against England. After 18 years of representing his country, Southee has announced that this upcoming three-match series will be his last for New Zealand. However, he has expressed his willingness to make himself available for the ICC World Test Championship Final next June if the team qualifies.
Southee shared his sentiments in a statement, saying that playing for the BLACKCAPS was a childhood dream come true. He considers it the greatest honor and privilege to have played for his country for nearly two decades. But now, he feels that the time has come to step away from the game that has given him so much. Southee also mentioned that Test cricket holds a special place in his heart, and that ending his career with a big series against the same opponent he played against in his first Test match seems like the perfect way to go out.
The experienced bowler also expressed his excitement for the young and talented bowlers who will now take the team forward. He has enjoyed working with them and watching them perform at the highest level. Southee has promised to continue supporting the team, even if it means doing it from a distance.
After the England series, Southee will make a decision on whether to play one final white-ball series against Sri Lanka after Christmas. Throughout his illustrious 18-year international career, Southee has played 391 matches and holds numerous national and international records. His all-round skills and consistency have made him the only player in the world to claim more than 300 Test wickets, 200 ODI wickets, and 100 T20I wickets.
He has an impressive tally of 385 international Test wickets and 385 international white-ball wickets, including 164 T20I scalps, making him the leading wicket-taker in world cricket. Southee is also one of only four players in the world to have played more than 100 matches in all three formats. Since his debut in 2008, he has been a key member of the New Zealand attack in all formats, playing in four ICC Cricket World Cups, seven T20 World Cups, two Champions Trophy tournaments, and the inaugural ICC WTC.
New Zealand Cricket's CEO, Scott Weenink, praised Southee as one of the country's greatest cricketers. He commended Southee's dedication and contribution to the team's success. Weenink also noted the high level of interest in the upcoming England tour, with the added excitement of farewell to one of their all-time greats. He believes that although Southee has retired from playing, he will continue to be involved in the game in some capacity in the future.
Head coach Gary Stead also had high praise for Southee, saying that his record speaks for itself. But what truly sets him apart is his impact on winning games for New Zealand. Stead also highlighted Southee's durability and resilience, as he rarely gets injured and always rises to the occasion. He also acknowledged Southee's deep care for the team and its success, and believes that he will be greatly missed in the BlackCaps environment. Stead wishes Southee all the best in his future endeavors and is confident that he will look back with pride on his achievements in the game.
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