Tim Southee to Retire from Test Cricket After Home Series Against England

New Zealand’s legendary pacer Tim Southee is set to retire from Test cricket in December, concluding his red-ball career at Seddon Park in Hamilton against England. Southee, New Zealand’s highest wicket-taker in international cricket, will, however, remain available should New Zealand reach the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final next June.

“Representing New Zealand was all I ever dreamed of growing up,” Southee said. “Playing for the BlackCaps for 18 years has been the greatest honor, but it feels like the right time to step away from the game that has given me so much.”

Southee first gained attention in 2008 at the U19 World Cup, where he claimed 17 wickets at an impressive average of six, earning the Player of the Tournament title. Over his 18-year career, he became a core leader of New Zealand’s bowling attack across formats, featuring in four ODI World Cups, seven T20 World Cups, two Champions Trophy tournaments, and a WTC Final. Southee’s tally includes 385 Test wickets in 104 matches, making him New Zealand’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket and the only player globally to have taken over 300 Test wickets, 200 ODI wickets, and 100 T20I wickets.

Most recently, he contributed significantly to New Zealand’s historic 3-0 series whitewash of India in India, a rare achievement by a visiting team since 2012. NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink commended Southee, calling him “a giant of the modern New Zealand game” and highlighting his key role in the BlackCaps’ successes over the past several years.

Head coach Gary Stead also praised Southee’s durability and resilience, calling him “an incredibly tough competitor who gets himself up for big occasions” and will be deeply missed in the BlackCaps environment.

While Southee is still considering his future in white-ball internationals, he has indicated he will continue to play in domestic and franchise leagues.