Former New Zealand captain Tim Southee has announced he will retire from Test cricket later this year.
Southee, 35, will end his Test career after the three-match series with England in November and December unless the Black Caps qualify for next year's World Test Championship final.
Southee's final Test will be at his home ground Seddon Park in Hamilton from December 13th to 18th.
“Representing New Zealand was everything I ever dreamed of growing up,” Southee said.
“Playing for the Black Caps for 18 years has been the greatest honor and privilege, but now it is time to retire from the game that has given me so much.”
“It’s been a great ride and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Southee was part of the New Zealand team that won the inaugural World Test Championship final in 2021.
He succeeded Kane Williamson as Test captain in December 2022 and last month resigned from the position now occupied by Tom Latham.
The fast bowler has played 102 Test matches, taking 385 wickets at an average of 29.87. As a New Zealand bowler, he is second only to Richard Hadlee (431) for most Test wickets.
He is also the only player to have taken more than 300 Test, 200 One-Day International and 100 Twenty20 International wickets.
“Tim’s endurance and resilience were outstanding,” said Black Caps head coach Gary Stead.
“He is an incredibly tough competitor who rises to the occasion and rarely gets injured.”
“Tim cares deeply about the team, its reputation and its achievements and we will miss him in the Black Caps environment.”
After the Test series in England next month, New Zealand will face Sri Lanka in a white-ball series. Southee has yet to decide whether he will take part in these games.
Southee will continue to play domestic and franchise cricket following his Test retirement.
