Fri Nov 15 20:23:34 UTC 2024: ## New Zealand’s Tim Southee Announces Retirement from Test Cricket
**Wellington, New Zealand –** Veteran New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee announced his retirement from Test cricket on Friday. The 35-year-old will hang up his red-ball hat after the upcoming three-match series against England, which begins on November 28th. His final Test will be played at his home ground in Hamilton, starting December 14th. Poignantly, Southee made his Test debut against England in March 2008.
Southee, a cornerstone of the New Zealand team for nearly 18 years, boasts an impressive Test career with 385 wickets in 104 matches, placing him second on New Zealand’s all-time wicket-takers list, just behind Richard Hadlee. His overall international record is equally remarkable, including 221 ODI and 164 T20I wickets. He holds the unique distinction of being the only cricketer to have taken over 300 Test, 200 ODI, and 100 T20I wickets. He was a key member of the New Zealand team that recently secured a historic 3-0 Test series win over India.
In a statement, Southee expressed his pride in representing New Zealand for 18 years, calling it a “fantastic journey.” He highlighted the special place Test cricket holds in his heart and described ending his career against England, the nation against which it began, as the perfect way to conclude this chapter. He also expressed his gratitude to his family, friends, coaches, fans, and everyone who supported him throughout his career.
New Zealand Cricket CEO Scott Venning lauded Southee as one of New Zealand’s greatest players, crediting him with a significant role in the team’s recent red-ball successes. He described Southee as a modern New Zealand game legend. The first two Tests of the series will be played in Christchurch and Wellington respectively.
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