December 17, 2024: In what turned out to be an emotional farewell, Tim Southee was sent off in style as New Zealand triumphed over England by a massive 423 runs in the third Test. Although New Zealand had already lost the series and a win wasn’t going to change the outcome, the victory was a fitting tribute to one of their greatest players.
The match was not just a cricketing milestone but also a moment of personal significance for Southee. After the final wicket fell, he picked up a stump and led his teammates back from the field, soaking in the applause from the fans—a fitting gesture after a stellar career. It was clear that this was more than just another match for the Black Caps; it was an emotional send-off for a player who had given so much to New Zealand cricket.
A particularly heartwarming moment followed as Southee met his former teammate and current England head coach Brendon McCullum. The two embraced each other in a warm hug, a symbol of their long and successful partnership in the game. Both men have been instrumental figures in New Zealand cricket, and their bond transcends mere professional rivalry, as they’ve shared many battles together over the years.
While the result didn’t change New Zealand’s position in the World Test Championship standings, where they finished fourth and England ended up in sixth, the win added another chapter to their legacy in Test cricket.
For Southee, it was the perfect way to cap off an extraordinary Test career—surrounded by his teammates, receiving the admiration of fans, and leaving the game with his head held high.
