Tim Southee Reveals Reason Behind Test Retirement

November 15, 2024: New Zealand’s Tim Southee, one of the country’s most prolific fast bowlers, has announced that he will retire from Test cricket after the upcoming home series against England. The 35-year-old seamer, who has been a fixture in New Zealand’s bowling attack for nearly two decades, will likely play his final Test match at Seddon Park in Hamilton, his home ground, just before Christmas.

Reflecting on his decision, Southee expressed that after an exciting run in international cricket over the past few years, it felt like the right time to step away from the longest format. “I guess you look at what’s in front of you. Last year was the [50-over] World Cup, and earlier this year we had the T20 World Cup. We’ve had this exciting run of Test cricket over the past 12 months. As you near the end of such an exciting period, you start to look ahead. It’s a marquee series against a great opposition in England—one I first faced all those years ago—and it feels like the right time,” he told.

Southee, who made his Test debut in 2008, also reflected on how quickly his career had passed. “Playing for New Zealand was a dream come true. To do that at a young age was pretty special. Sitting here now, reflecting, it’s gone by extremely quickly. Over the next however long, I’ll reflect more. It’s been a great ride, and there’s still a little more to come,” he said, acknowledging how fortunate he has been to represent his country for 17 years.

As for his plans beyond Test cricket, Southee has not ruled out continuing to play in the white-ball formats. He mentioned that he would decide whether to compete in New Zealand’s series against Sri Lanka after Christmas. Additionally, he expressed his willingness to make himself available for the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s next year, should New Zealand qualify for the decider.

Southee’s retirement comes after an illustrious career in which he became New Zealand’s leading wicket-taker across formats, with nearly 770 international wickets. His career includes appearances in four ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups, seven ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, two Champions Trophy tournaments, and the inaugural World Test Championship Final in 2021.

Looking back at his journey, Southee highlighted the importance of allowing the next generation of bowlers to take over. “Representing New Zealand was all I ever dreamed of growing up. 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 me so much,” he said.

He also emphasized the sentimental value of finishing his Test career against the same opponent—England—whom he first played against in his debut series. “Test cricket holds a special place in my heart, so to play such a big series against the same opponent my Test career began against all those years ago—and at three grounds that are incredibly special to me—feels like the perfect way to end my time in the Black Cap.”

Southee concluded by expressing his gratitude to the many people who have supported him over the years, including his family, coaches, teammates, and fans. “I’ll always be grateful to my family, friends, coaches, our fans, and everyone involved in the game who has supported me over the years. It’s been an amazing ride, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Southee’s departure from Test cricket marks the end of a distinguished era for New Zealand’s pace attack. His contributions will be remembered as integral to the team’s success, and fans will be eager to see how he finishes his Test career during this historic series against England.