New Zealand's Tim Southee To Retire From Test Cricket

Tim Southee, star New Zealand pacer and former Test captain, has announced that he will be retiring from Test cricket. The 35-year-old will retire after the completion of New Zealand's upcoming home series against England. The three-match series will be held across November and December. Southee's final Test will be at Hamilton between 13 and 18 December. Meanwhile, he will continue playing domestic and franchise cricket following Test retirement.

“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," New Zealand's greatest-ever wicket-taker said. At the same time, Southee will make himself available for the World Test Championship final at Lord's in June if New Zealand qualify. Tim Southee has played 102 Test matches, taking 385 wickets at an average of 29.87. 

Tim Southee is also the only player to have taken more than 300 Test, 200 one-day international, and 100 T20 international wickets. The former captain represented the country at four ICC Men's Cricket World Cups, seven ICC Men's T20 World Cups, two Champions Trophy events, and the inaugural World Test Championship Final in 2021. 

Responding to the retirement, New Zealand coach Gary Stead said Southee's durability and resilience have been outstanding. “Tim cares deeply about the team, its reputation and performances, and he will be missed within the Black Caps environment," Gary Stead added.