Veteran New Zealand seamer Tim Southee bid an emotional farewell to Test cricket on Saturday (December 14) during the third and final Test against England at Seddon Park, Hamilton.
Southee, who announced his retirement from the longest format last month, was honoured with a guard of honour from the England team when he walked out to bat, a gesture that earned thunderous applause from the crowd.
Emotional scenes before play
Before the start of play, Southee took his young daughter onto the field, accompanied by his New Zealand teammates, in a touching moment that set the tone for a day filled with tributes and respect. This match marks the final chapter of Southee’s illustrious Test career, as the Black Caps were already out of contention for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final following their losses in the first two Tests of the series.
A moment to cherish forever 🫶#TimSouthee walks out for his final Test with his daughter as Seddon Park applauds the Kiwi pacer 👏👨👧#SonySportsNetwork #NZvENG #ThankYouTim pic.twitter.com/fYDgHQm4Ls
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) December 14, 2024
A legacy to remember
Southee’s Test career has been nothing short of remarkable. Over 106 matches, he has claimed 389 wickets at an average of 30.21, including 15 five-wicket hauls. This makes him New Zealand’s second-highest Test wicket-taker, behind the legendary Sir Richard Hadlee, who finished his career with 431 wickets. Across all formats, Southee has been a cornerstone of New Zealand’s bowling attack, amassing 774 international wickets, the most by any Black Caps’ bowler.
“He’s an amazing representation of what’s important to play for New Zealand.”
As Tim Southee embarks on his 107th and final Test match, hear from his current and former teammates on the legacy that he will leave behind. #NZvENG #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/WtjXoegE3w
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 13, 2024
Also READ: Tim Southee’s wife: Brya Fahy, the lady who clean bowled the New Zealand pacer in personal life
Guard of honour and standing ovation
The farewell celebrations reached their peak when Southee came to bat after the fall of New Zealand’s eighth wicket. As he walked onto the field, the crowd at Seddon Park rose to its feet, delivering a standing ovation, while the Ben Stokes-led English side lined up to form a guard of honour.
Ben Stokes and England team giving guard of Honour to Tim Southee and congratulating for a fantastic Career. 👌⭐ pic.twitter.com/hYI8DYEclr
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) December 14, 2024
Hamilton rises for Tim Southee, their very own, who walks out to bat in his final Test match 🙌 pic.twitter.com/NGDYOEGhxc
— England’s Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) December 14, 2024
A GUARD OF HONOUR FOR TIM SOUTHEE. pic.twitter.com/S47bsxktZz
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 14, 2024
Southee responded to the occasion with a spirited cameo, smashing 23 runs off just 10 balls, including one boundary and three sixes. His aggressive stroke play delighted the fans and added valuable runs to New Zealand’s total. Southee was the last man dismissed on Day 1, as the hosts finished at 315 for 9.
England’s day, despite Southee’s heroics
England, already leading the series 2-0, began the day with confidence after electing to bowl under overcast conditions. However, the pitch at Seddon Park offered little help to the bowlers, with limited seam and swing on display. Despite this, England regained control during the middle sessions, restricting New Zealand’s scoring and taking crucial wickets.
Southee’s cameo and Mitchell Santner’s unbeaten 50 off 54 balls provided late resistance, ensuring New Zealand ended the day with a competitive total.
Also READ: Deadlock in Hamilton as England and New Zealand exchange blows on Day 1 of the 3rd Test
