5 key career highlights as Tim Southee prepares for retirement

Jonhenry Wilson 03 Dec 2024

Tim Southee exits international cricket as an underrated, unassuming great.

Veteran Black Cap bowler Tim Southee announced his intentions to retire from cricket once the current series against England is done.

Southee, who has played more than 100 internationals in each format of the game, made his debut for New Zealand back in 2008.

He has been a true servant to the Kiwi cause.

Now 35 years old and with his innings drawing to a close, let’s take a look back at five key highlights from his storied career.

1. Test debut heroics (2008)

Southee announced himself in spectacular fashion during his Test debut against England in Napier. The then-19-year-old claimed five wickets for 55 runs in the first innings, showcasing his swing and seam mastery.

To cap it off, in what was ultimately a losing cause, he scored a blistering 77 not out from just 40 balls, including nine sixes—a performance that hinted at his all-around potential.

2. 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final

Tim Southee was instrumental in New Zealand‘s historic run to the 2015 Cricket World Cup final. His standout performance came against England in the group stage, where he demolished their batting lineup with figures of 7/33.

His lethal swing bowling helped New Zealand dominate throughout the tournament and although they fell short at the final hurdle, Southee ended the tournament with 15 scalps at an average of just over 30.

3. Outstanding T20 World Cup record

Southee’s consistency in T20 Internationals has been remarkable. He is among the top wicket-takers in T20 World Cup history, regularly delivering crucial spells for the Black Caps. His ability to perform under pressure in the shortest format has been invaluable for New Zealand.

With 36 T20 World Cup wickets and three maidens to his name, Southee is the sixth highest wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history as well as joint second on the list of maidens bowled. Other bowlers with 36 World Cup scalps include Adam Zampa of Australia and Saeed Ajmal of Pakistan.

4. First Kiwi to claim 300 wickets in all formats

Southee is the first New Zealander to take 300 wickets in each of the games three formats – a remarkable testament to his longevity and effectiveness.

This milestone underscores his status as one of the most prolific and versatile bowlers in Kiwi cricket history. He boasts 937 red ball wickets, 462 50 over scalps and 497 wickets in the shortest version of the game.

5. World Test Championship triumph (2021)

One of Southee’s career-defining moments was New Zealand’s victory in the inaugural World Test Championship final against India.

Leading the pace attack with his partner Trent Boult, Southee played a crucial role in securing this historic achievement for the Black Caps. His four for 48 in the second innings was critical as he removed both Indian openers Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma to set up an eight-wicket win.