'Look forward to watching on as a fan' - Tim Southee bids emotional farewell to Test Cricket after Hamilton Test

New Zealand's veteran pacer Tim Southee hung his boots after a memorable 17-year Test career. The 36-year-old bid an emotional farewell following New Zealand’s 423-run victory over England in the third and final Test at Hamilton’s Seddon Park on December 17.

While the hosts claimed the final Test, they suffered a series defeat by 2-1 to England. However, the special moment belonged to Southee, whose farewell was celebrated by teammates, fans, and the legendary Sir Richard Hadlee.

Southee, who debuted at the age of 19 against England in 2008 made an instant impact in his debut Test, taking 5/55 and smashing a 77 off 40 balls, which included nine sixes. Over the years, Southee went on to become a key player in the Kiwi's bowling attack. His final match saw him pick two wickets in England’s second innings, bringing his remarkable Test tally to 391 wickets.

The right-arm stands second only to Sir Richard Hadlee as New Zealand’s all-time leading wicket-taker with 431 wickets. He also narrowly missed the milestone of 100 sixes, ending his career with 98, tying with Chris Gayle’s record. He also contributed seven half-centuries, his highest score being an unbeaten 77. Following the match, Southee was given a guard of honour by his teammates. The farewell ceremony was led by Sir Hadlee, who reflected on being on the selection panel when Southee was picked for his first Test. 

"Tim is a true champion, a great New Zealand cricketer and sports person. Tim's skill set was admirable. The classical outswinger, the scrambled seam off-cutter are the features of Tim's successes," Hadlee said in a ceremony.

Rugby's always been a dream: Tim Southee

In his emotional farewell speech, Southee offered gratitude to New Zealand Cricket, his family, teammates, support staff, and fans for their support throughout his career. Southee’s retirement is the end of an era for New Zealand cricket, as the pace trio of Southee, Trent Boult, and Neil Wagner no longer features in the Test setup.

With 391 wickets, key performances such as the seven-wicket haul against India in 2014, and his contributions to New Zealand’s World Test Championship victory in 2021. The 36-year-old expressed his desire to revive his love for rugby, a sport he grew up playing before pursuing cricket.

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"Taking this opportunity to thank a few people. First New Zealand Cricket, for everything you've done over the last 17 years. Much appreciated. Family. They're the ones there for the ride through the ups and downs. Teammates - made the ride so enjoyable, and support staff as well," he continued.

"Would like to thank the fans. Always great to turn out in front of numbers, and this week's been pretty special at Seddon Park to play in front of great crowds. Thank you. Look forward to watching on as a fan. All the best boys," the pacer. That’s always been a dream, but I’ll have to see how the body pulls up over the next wee while," Southee concluded.