ENG vs NZ: Former New Zealand captain set to retire from Test cricket after England series

New Zealand’s highest-ever wicket-taker in international cricket, Tim Southee, has announced he will retire from Test cricket after the upcoming home series against England this December. The veteran seamer will bow out at Seddon Park in Hamilton, the ground where he made his Test debut, marking a fitting end to his illustrious red-ball career.

"Representing New Zealand was all I ever dreamed of growing up," Southee said. "To play for the BlackCaps 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 so much to me.

"Test cricket holds a special place in my heart, so to be able to play such a big series against the same opponent my Test career began against all those years ago, and on three grounds that are incredibly special to me, seems the perfect way to end my time in the black cap."

Southee's Test career, which began in 2008 against England, has spanned nearly two decades and included remarkable achievements both as a bowler and a leader. He is New Zealand’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, with 385 wickets in 104 matches. The 35-year-old is also the only cricketer in history to claim more than 300 Test wickets, 200 ODI wickets, and 100 T20I wickets.

The announcement marks the end of an era for New Zealand cricket, with Southee playing an integral role in the team’s success across formats. Most notably, he was part of New Zealand’s historic 3-0 whitewash of India in India—a feat no visiting team had accomplished since 2012-13. He also played a crucial part in New Zealand’s runner-up finish at the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup and their triumph at the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final in 2021.

Southee first made his name on the international stage in the 2008 U19 World Cup, where his outstanding 17-wicket campaign earned him the Player of the Tournament award. His contributions in the Test arena, however, are what have solidified his legacy. His career highlights include a fifer in the WTC Final at Southampton, and his status as one of the premier fast bowlers of his generation.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive Scott Weenink praised Southee as a giant of New Zealand cricket. "Tim has been a constant in the improving fortunes of the BlackCaps, and he'll be remembered as one of the greatest players to wear the New Zealand cap," Weenink said. "He's given his heart and soul to playing for New Zealand, and his legacy will live on for years to come."

Gary Stead, head coach of the BlackCaps, also acknowledged Southee’s immense contributions. "Tim’s durability and resilience have been outstanding," Stead remarked. "He has been an incredibly tough competitor and a leader on the field. His impact on the team’s performances will be missed, but he deserves time with his family."

While his Test career comes to a close, Southee has left the door open for a potential appearance in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final in June 2025 should New Zealand qualify. He has also suggested that he may continue his white-ball career, with the upcoming post-Christmas tour of Sri Lanka potentially marking his next step in limited-overs cricket.