New Zealand’s veteran fast bowler Tim Southee officially retired from international cricket following an emotional farewell ceremony on Tuesday at Seddon Park in Hamilton.
Tim Southee bids farewell to international cricket
His farewell coincided with New Zealand’s emphatic 423-run victory over England in the third and final Test of the series. The triumph marked a fitting send-off to Southee’s remarkable 17-year career, which has left an indelible mark on New Zealand cricket. Even in his farewell Test, the 35-year-old demonstrated his value, claiming two wickets as England folded for 234 runs. The comprehensive win encapsulated Southee’s ability to deliver impactful performances until his very last outing, solidifying his place among cricket’s greatest bowlers.
Sir Richard Hadlee highlights Southee’s unfulfilled milestone
Before the farewell proceedings, Southee received a heartfelt guard of honour from both teams, acknowledging his invaluable contributions to the game. Adding emotional weight to the occasion, Sir Richard Hadlee, New Zealand’s greatest bowler and Southee’s only superior on the country’s all-time wicket-takers list, paid tribute to the retiring star.
Reflecting on Southee’s stellar career, Hadlee, in the post-match presentation ceremony, pointed out the one milestone that eluded him: “It would have been only fitting if Tim had ended his career by reaching the 400 Test wicket mark. In my opinion, he truly deserved that. But unfortunately, it wasn’t to be,”
Southee’s final tally of 391 wickets in 107 Tests places him second on New Zealand’s all-time leading wicket-takers list, trailing only Hadlee, who finished with 431 wickets. Although he narrowly missed the historic 400-wicket milestone, Hadlee’s remarks underscored the bittersweet farewell and the sheer magnitude of Southee’s career achievements.
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A legacy of excellence and consistency for New Zealand
Tim Southee’s journey began as a teenage sensation during his Test debut against England in Napier in 2008. At just 19 years old, Southee made an immediate impression, claiming a sensational 5 for 55 with the ball and smashing a breathtaking 77 off 40 balls, laced with nine sixes. This extraordinary debut set the stage for a career defined by consistency, match-winning spells, and explosive lower-order contributions.
Renowned for his ability to swing the ball prodigiously in both directions, Southee adapted seamlessly across varying conditions and formats, serving as the cornerstone of New Zealand’s bowling attack for over a decade. His leadership qualities were equally impressive; Southee captained New Zealand during crucial phases, earning respect for his tactical acumen and composure under pressure.
Beyond his bowling brilliance, Southee brought flair and entertainment with the bat. He finished his career with 98 sixes in Test cricket, ranking fourth on the all-time list of six-hitters, showcasing his ability to change games with his aggressive lower-order hitting. Additionally, his safe hands in the field led to 85 catches, a testament to his all-round value as a cricketer.
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