Veteran New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee is playing his final Test match, his 107th, against England at his home ground, Seddon Park, on Saturday. This marks the culmination of a remarkable 16-year international career.
Southee announced his retirement last month, indicating that his international career would conclude at the end of the ongoing series against England.
In his last Test match, Southee walked onto the ground holding his daughter in his arms to sing the national anthem for the final time as a New Zealand cricketer.
Watch: Tim Southee makes a memorable final Test entrance with his daughter
Throughout his Test career, Southee has taken an impressive 389 wickets, placing him second only to the legendary Richard Hadlee (431 wickets) among New Zealand’s highest wicket-takers in Test cricket.
His overall wicket tally across all formats is even more remarkable. With 221 ODI wickets and 164 T20I wickets, Southee has amassed a total of 774 international wickets — the most by any New Zealander.
Southee’s Test debut in 2008, also against England, was a memorable one. He scored 77 not out and took 5-55. It’s a fitting full-circle moment as his Test career concludes against the same opposition.
However, Southee’s inclusion in the final Test has sparked some debate. His performance in the first two Tests of the series was below par, taking only four wickets at an average of 61.5.
This has led some to question whether his selection was based on sentimentality rather than current form. Critics suggest that the time may have come to hand over the new ball to the promising young pacer Will O’Rourke.
England won the toss and opted to bowl first on Saturday. The warm, overcast conditions at Seddon Park suggested favourable conditions for swing bowling early in the match.
New Zealand made two changes to their playing XI. Will Young replaced Devon Conway, who is awaiting the birth of his first child, while spinner Mitchell Santner came in for Nathan Smith.
England, already holding an unassailable 2-0 series lead, also made one change to their side. Pacer Matt Potts replaced Chris Woakes in the playing XI for the final Test.