Tim Southee walked off Seddon Park in Hamilton to raucous applause, bidding farewell to international cricket after New Zealand’s dominant 423-run victory over England in the third Test. Having announced his retirement ahead of the series, the fast-bowling legend left the game with a stunning 776 international wickets (391 in Tests, 221 in ODIs, and 164 in T20Is), capping off an illustrious career.
Reflecting on the final win, Southee called it a "pretty special" way to bow out. “Winning by 400 runs against such a formidable team, it’s the perfect way to fade away after such an incredible journey," he said. "It’s been a great few days, and to retire at grounds that have meant so much to me... finishing with an emphatic win just adds to the magic.”
Making his debut as a teenager in 2008, Southee has spent nearly two decades representing New Zealand, and he admits it wasn’t easy to say goodbye. “Once I made the decision, I was at peace with it," he shared. "It was tough telling the people closest to me, but the game has been everything to me since I was 19. I’ll miss it, but I’ve got 17 years of memories to cherish."
Southee’s career was full of remarkable milestones, with 98 Test sixes—just two shy of 100. While he joked about missing the mark, he focused on the bigger picture. “Sure, it would’ve been nice to hit a couple more sixes or take a few more wickets, but I’m incredibly grateful for everything I’ve achieved,” he said. “Nearly 800 wickets? That’s something I’m very proud of.”
Looking to the future, Southee is eager to see the next generation of New Zealand bowlers step up. "There’s some real promise in the young guys," he said, mentioning Nathan Smith, William O’Rourke, and Ben Sears. He’s particularly excited about O'Rourke, who has quickly become a key player in the team. "He’s an unbelievable talent, and he’s just getting better. I look forward to watching him take on the world."
Southee also reflected on the golden era of New Zealand bowling, where he shared the field with Trent Boult and Neil Wagner, forging a bond that has lasted beyond cricket. "Playing with them was incredible, but the friendships we’ve built are what I cherish most," he said. "That was a special time for New Zealand cricket. Playing with guys like Colin de Grandhomme and Kyle Jamieson during the World Test Championship triumph was an experience I’ll never forget."
As Southee walks away from the game, he leaves behind a legacy of remarkable wickets, unforgettable moments, and the promise of a new generation ready to carry New Zealand’s cricketing legacy forward.
