Veteran New Zealand pacer Tim Southee is set to retire from Test cricket at the end of the ongoing third and final match against England on home soil. Tim Southee received a guard of honor from the England team when he walked out to bat in New Zealand’s first innings on the opening day of the game.
Southee had announced his retirement from the longer format before the start of the series against England. He also said that he would make himself available for selection if New Zealand qualifies for the World Test Championship final. However, the Black Caps are unlikely to qualify for the WTC 2025 final.
Watch: Tim Southee Receives Guard of Honor From India
Tim Southee came out to bat when Matt Henry was dismissed by England skipper Ben Stokes. The England players were ready with a guard of honor for the retiring batter.
Southee shook hands with the opposition skipper and acknowledged the England players’ act before making his way to the crease.
Here is the video clip of the incident below:
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Southee played a quickfire cameo of 23 runs off 10 balls, including three sixes. The right-handed batter helped the team cross the 300-run mark in the first innings. The Black Caps ended the opening day with 315 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Mitchell Santner remained unbeaten at the crease with 50 off 54 balls.
A Moment in Time You Hope It Never Comes – Tim Southee
Reflecting on his decision to retire, Tim Southee called it the right time after a memorable journey in cricket. He acknowledged the depth of New Zealand’s team and expressed hope for a strong performance in his final Test. Southee shared his excitement about supporting the team as a fan in the future.
« A moment in time you hope it never comes. I think it is the right time. The depth there is outstanding. Has been a great ride. Hopefully one great last week. The series hasn’t gone to plan. Hopefully, we can put it in a good performance this week. Have been living here. Special place, » Southee said.
« You want to win every game you play. Has been a big Test year for us. Test cricket has been special for me. To play more than 100 Tests is his special. The team mates and the friendships you form. I will take back many good memories. I have always enjoyed watching the game. Would love watching this group as a fan, » he added.
Southee will retire as New Zealand’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. He has taken 389 wickets, only behind Sir Richard Hadlee’s 431. He is the only bowler in the sport to have taken over 300 wickets in Tests, 200 in One-Day Internationals (221), and 100 in Twenty20 Internationals (164).
Also read: Jasprit Bumrah instructed to leave Test Cricket after Adelaide Test loss
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