A glittering chapter in New Zealand cricket came to an emotional close as Tim Southee announced his retirement following a memorable victory against England at Seddon Park, Hamilton. The 36-year-old pacer brought the curtains down on an illustrious 16-year career, one that saw him play a pivotal role in New Zealand’s golden era of cricket.
Southee’s farewell came after securing a resounding win for the Black Caps in his final Test match. The veteran seamer signed off in style, taking the wickets of Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell in the second innings of the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy. His career ends with an impressive tally of 391 Test wickets and a record-breaking 776 wickets across all formats in 394 matches, cementing his place as New Zealand’s leading wicket-taker in international cricket.
A Legacy of Excellence
Southee’s contribution to New Zealand cricket is unparalleled. Having represented the Black Caps over 100 times in all three formats, he was instrumental in helping the team reach multiple ICC finals. His crowning achievement came in 2021 when New Zealand claimed their first ICC title, winning the inaugural World Test Championship.
His career began against England in a T20 match in February 2008, followed by his Test debut a month later in Napier. Southee made an immediate impact with a five-wicket haul in his first innings, dismissing the likes of Michael Vaughan, Andrew Strauss, and Kevin Pietersen. He also made headlines with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 77 off 40 balls, which remains his highest Test score.
Known for his powerful hitting, Southee ended his Test career with 98 sixes, narrowly missing out on overtaking Adam Gilchrist and his former teammate Brendon McCullum on the all-time list. He struck three sixes in his final Test, tying with Chris Gayle and surpassing Jacques Kallis.
Heartfelt Farewell Speech
Following the conclusion of the match, a special ceremony was held at Seddon Park to honour Southee’s remarkable career. In an emotional speech, Southee expressed gratitude to everyone who supported him throughout his journey.
“I’d like to thank New Zealand Cricket for their unwavering support over the past 17 years. It has been an incredible journey,” he said. Southee also acknowledged his family for their sacrifices and encouragement. “Mum, Dad, Brya, and the kids – you’ve been there through the highs and lows. I can’t thank you enough for being my constant support system.”
The veteran pacer also paid tribute to his teammates, many of whom shared the field with him for the majority of his career. “This group of players made every moment worthwhile. To all the teammates I’ve played with, thank you for the memories and camaraderie.”
A Fond Goodbye
Southee concluded his speech by addressing the fans who supported him throughout his career. “Thank you to the fans. Playing in front of you has always been special, and this week has been unforgettable. I’m excited to join you all as a supporter of this incredible team moving forward. All the best, boys!”
As he walked off the field for the final time, England’s players gave Southee a guard of honour, a fitting tribute to one of cricket’s finest players. With his retirement, New Zealand bids farewell to a legend whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the game.
