New Zealand‘s bowling great Tim Southee has announced his retirement plans and will bow out from the red-ball format after his team’s ongoing World Test Championship (2023-25) campaign.
Southee is New Zealand’s all-time leading wicket-taker and the coming series against England at home could mark his final appearance, but should the Kiwis qualify for the WTC final, he might play in the summit clash at Lord’s in June next year.
The 35-year-old pacer’s white-ball plans are still not sure, and he is yet to take a call on playing the limited-overs internationals against Sri Lanka after Christmas.
“Representing New Zealand was all I ever dreamed of growing up,” Southee was quoted as saying by the International Cricket Council website. “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.
“Test cricket holds a special place in my heart, so to be able to play such a big series against the same opponent my Test career began against all those years ago, and on three grounds that are incredibly special to me, seems the perfect way to end my time in the black cap.
“I’ll always be so grateful to my family, friends, coaches, our fans and everyone involved in the game who has supported me and my career over the years. It’s been an amazing ride and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Southee has so far played 104 Tests, 161 ODIs and 125 T20Is and taken 770 international wickets.
He has had the honour of representing the Black Caps in four ODI World Cups, seven T20 World Cups, two Champions Trophy tournaments and the World Test Championship final for the 2019-21 cycle when the Kiwis became the world champions in the format.
“Tim’s durability and resilience has been outstanding,” said New Zealand coach Gary Stead. “Tim cares deeply about the team, its reputation and performances, and he will be missed within the Black Caps environment.
