BlackCaps’ pacer Tim Southee is playing the final game of his career, with the ongoing third Test against England. England won the toss and opted to bowl first, as New Zealand’s top order started off well. But as the middle order collapsed, the Kiwi skipper, Southee unleashed the six hitter in him as he took the England captain, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson to the cleaners.
He came into bat at number eight when the hosts were at 272/8 after losing Matt Henry. Facing just 10 balls, the Kiwi cricketer scored 23 runs with the help of one boundary and three maximums, and ended up with a strike rate of 230. He particularly smashed Stokes for two maximums and Atkinson for a four and a six. With his three sixes, the veteran also equalled former West Indies opener, Chris Gayle’s tally of sixes in Test cricket.
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He moved up and to hold the joint-fourth spot in the all-time list, as he smashed his 98th six off Atkinson. The first spot of the list is held by Stokes, who has 133 sixes in 110 Tests so far. He is followed by former New Zealand captain and current England Head Coach, Brendon McCullum with 107 sixes in 101 matches. The third spot is held by former Australia opener, Adam Gilchrist, who has 100 sixes in 96 Tests.
Most Sixes in Tests
| S. N | Player Name (Country) | Matches Played | No. of Sixes |
| 1 | Ben Stokes (England) | 110* | 133* |
| 2 | Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) | 101 | 107 |
| 3 | Adam Gilchrist (Australia) | 96 | 100 |
| 4 | Chris Gayle (West Indies) | 103 | 98 |
| 5 | Tim Southee (New Zealand) | 107* | 98* |
* indicates active cricketers (Last Updated December 14, 2024)
A moment in time you hope it never comes: Southee
Southee is playing his 107th and fiinal Test for New Zealand and will end his illustrious career on a high. The right-arm pacer was emotional over this momentous occasion and pledged to enjoy till it lasts.
“A moment in time you hope it never comes. I think it is the right time. The depth there is outstanding. It has been a great ride. Hopefully one great last week. The series hasn’t gone to plan. Hopefully, we can put it in a good performance this week,” said Southee at the toss.
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