New Zealand cricket stalwart Tim Southee has announced his decision to step down as the BLACKCAPS Test captain, with Tom Latham confirmed as his successor. Latham, who has previously captained the Test side on nine occasions, will lead the team in their upcoming tour of India, which begins next Friday.
Southee, a key figure in New Zealand cricket with 102 Test matches and 382 wickets to his name, second only to Sir Richard Hadlee, captained the team in 14 Tests since taking over from Kane Williamson in December 2022. Under his leadership, New Zealand secured six victories, suffered six losses, and recorded two draws. The 35-year-old paceman stated that his decision to step down was made in the best interest of the team.
“Captaining the BLACKCAPS in a format that’s so special to me, has been an absolute honour and a privilege,” he said.
“I’ve always tried to put the team first throughout my career and I believe this decision is the best for the team.
“I believe the way I can best serve the team moving forward is focusing on my performances on the field and getting back to my best, to continue taking wickets and helping New Zealand win Test matches.
“I will, as I’ve always done, continue to support my teammates, especially the exciting young bowlers making their way on the international stage.
“I wish Tom all the best in the role and he knows I’ll be there to support him on his journey, as he has done for me over the years.”
BLACKCAPS coach Gary Stead praised Southee for his leadership and his commitment to the team.
“Tim’s a fantastic player and a very good leader who is held in high regard by the players and support staff,” he said.
“He’s been a great servant of New Zealand Cricket over nearly 17 years playing on the international stage, and I’d like to acknowledge his humility in stepping down from the role as Test captain.
“It’s not easy giving up something you love, but Tim is a true team-man and he’s made the decision with the team’s best interests at heart.
“He’s one of our greatest ever players and we still very much see him playing a part in our Test side moving forward.”
New Zealand Cricket CEO Scott Weenink echoed these sentiments, applauding Southee for his humility and team-first mentality.
“It’s a measure of the man that he continues to put the team interests ahead of his own and, despite his obvious personal disappointment, wants to do the best thing possible for everyone else.
“To me, that’s the sign of a true leader in every sense of the word.”
“Tim will continue to be an important leader within this group.
“It’s a huge honour to captain the BLACKCAPS and he’ll look back on his tenure with pride. He’s also helped shepherd in some exciting new talent in the seam bowling department with the emergence of Will O’Rourke and Ben Sears.
“The three of them, combined with Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson, mean the BLACKCAPS continue to have exciting seam bowling depth.”
As Latham assumes the role full-time, he will lead a 15-strong Test squad to India, with Southee still an integral part of the team as they prepare for their next challenge.