‘He’ll go down as one of New Zealand’s greats’ – McCullum, Stokes, Root pay tribute to Tim Southee. (Photo Source: Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Tim Southee, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated fast bowlers, bid farewell to Test cricket after a remarkable 17-year-long career. Brendon McCullum, former New Zealand captain and current England head coach, paid tribute to his former teammate, lauding him for longevity and consistency.
Southee had announced his retirement from the red-ball format after New Zealand’s Test series against England. Southee’s career came a full circle as his final match came against the same opponent back in 2008.
The veteran pacer’s farewell was made even more memorable as New Zealand defeated England by 423 runs, dismissing them for just 234 in their second innings. McCullum praised Southee’s career and character.
“Tim’s, he’s one of my good friends, really close friends. He’s a guy who has all come in at such a young age and he had that sort of cheekiness about him and he’s one of those guys that you love spending time around. You never count him out of any situation as well, he’s a tough bugger,” McCullum said in a video posted by NZC on their social media.
A friendship forged under the Black Cap.
Hear from former BLACKCAPS captain Brendon McCullum on Tim Southee’s achievements and their friendship built over a memorable career. #NZvENG #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/YZFRcy7SoC
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 17, 2024
Southee finished his illustrious Test career with 391 wickets in 107 matches, making him New Zealand’s second-highest wicket-taker behind Sir Richard Hadlee (431 scalps). Southee recorded 15 five-wicket hauls in Tests and recorded 234 wickets on home soil. Southee’s ability with the bat made him the fourth-highest six-hitter in the format with 98 sixes, equalling West Indies’ Chris Gayle’s record and falling just two short of the rare milestone of 100 sixes.
“I mean we talk a lot about trying to leave the cap in a better place than you found it and I know for a fact that when Tim walks off at Seddon Park, he’ll walk off and he’ll be satisfied but also, you know, the country will be very grateful for his contribution over a long period of time,” McCullum added.
Meanwhile, England skipper Ben Stokes and batter Joe Root also heaped huge praises for Southee who they shared great on and off-the-field moments. “He’ll go down as one of New Zealand’s greats,” Stokes said.
“He’ll go down as one of New Zealand’s greats.”
As his Test career draws to a close, hear from Ben Stokes and Joe Root on their battles with Tim Southee over the years, and his impact on cricket in New Zealand and around the world 🏏 #NZvENG #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/OTOj1R2qs3
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 16, 2024
I’ll miss it, but I’ve got 17 years of memories: Tim Southee
Reflecting on his career, Southee, who made his debut at 19, expressed satisfaction and gratitude for his journey.
“Yeah, it was pretty special to win by 400-odd runs against a brilliant opposition. I guess it’s a nice way to fade off after what’s been an incredible journey so yeah, an enjoyable few days and I’ll certainly miss these feelings. Yeah, I was at peace when I made the decision. It was probably the hardest when I was telling a few people who were close to me. And once I did that, then I was certainly at peace with the decision. The game’s been brilliant to me. It’s been everything I’ve known since I was 19 years old…So, yeah, I’ll miss it, but I’ve got 17 years of memories which I can call back on,” said Southee.