New Zealand pacer to leave Test cricket after England series, will only make comeback in one condition
Legendary New Zealand pacer and former captain Tim Southee has announced his retirement from Test cricket after the upcoming three-Test home series against England. The series will begin on November 28, with the final match at Southee’s home ground, Seddon Park, from December 14 to 18, coinciding with his 36th birthday. Despite stepping away from Tests, Southee remains available for selection if New Zealand qualifies for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final in June 2025. He will also continue playing domestic and franchise cricket.
Southee, who debuted in 2008 against England, has taken 385 wickets in 104 Tests, placing him second behind Sir Richard Hadlee in New Zealand’s Test wicket-takers list. Notably, he is the only player worldwide to have over 300 Test, 200 ODI, and 100 T20I wickets. He expressed gratitude for his 18-year international career, saying, “It feels like the right moment to step away.”
Southee’s remarkable career also includes four ODI World Cups, seven T20 World Cups, and a key role in New Zealand’s WTC 2021 triumph. As the Kiwis prepare to face Sri Lanka in white-ball formats after the England series, Southee’s future in limited-overs cricket remains under consideration.