Southee signs off on a happy note with a “pretty special” win

December 17, 2024

Tim Southee walked off Seddon Park in Hamilton to loud cheers on his home ground for the final time.
The veteran fast-bowler, who had announced his retirement before the start of the series, ended with 776 international wickets (391 in Tests, 221 in ODIs and 164 in T20Is).
Southee said that it was special to retire after a 423-run win against England, allowing himself to enjoy the occasion during the series and soak it all up in three grounds he considered to be really special.
"Yeah, it was pretty special to win by 400-odd runs against a brilliant opposition.", said Southee after the hosts completely outplayed England.
"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," continued Southee.
"I allowed myself a couple of times to enjoy it, soak it up and it's just been great, the three grounds, the fan following. To turn out one last time and three places which have been pretty special to me is a nice way to finish and to finish with an emphatic win was a nice way to fade-out."
Southee had made his debut as a teenager for New Zealand back in 2008 and cricket is everything he's known since he was 19-years-old, but he was able to be at peace after making his decision to retire.
"Yeah, I was at peace when I made the decision. It was probably the hardest when I was telling a few people that 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."
Southee hit 98 Test sixes in his career, falling two short of becoming the fourth player to hit a 100 sixes.
"Yeah, that would have been nice. 100 sixes, 400 Test wickets, 100 catches, whatever. That would have all been nice, but I'm just very grateful for what I've been able to do. The time I've had in the hat has been pretty special. So, as a kid, I just wanted to grow up and represent New Zealand. So, to sit here and have nearly 800 wickets, it's pretty satisfying."
Southee emphasised that it was now time for the younger players to take the team forward and was keen to give back to the next generation of bowlers coming through the ranks for New Zealand.
"Yeah, they're very promising cricketers. [On Nathan Smith and William O'Rourke] Throw in Ben Sears as well. Jacob Duffy's waited in the wings for a long time. So, there's quality bowlers there waiting for the opportunity. I look forward to watching them."
Southee was very excited to see the progress of O'Rourke who within 12 months has established himself as a mainstay bowler in the New Zealand set-up.
"I think Nathan Smith's shown what he's capable of. I think Will ORourke's an unbelievable talent. And he's only getting better and better in his time in this team. And he's only been around for 12 months. And I look forward to watching him take on the world. He's a tremendous bowler, a great bloke with a very good head on his shoulders."
Reminiscing on his career, he spoke about playing with Trent Boult and Neil Wagner as a golden generation for the New Zealand cricket team.
He felt the best part of playing the two bowlers was the friendship they formed, which he felt was the most satisfying part of playing with each other.
Southee also didn't discount the contributions of all-rounders Colin de Grandhomme and Kyle Jamieson who played pivotal roles in New Zealand won the World Test Championship triumph in the inaugural 2019-2021 cycle.
"Yeah, special time, I think, as a group. Even Colin de Grandhomme's contributions, Kyle Jamieson's contributions to that bowling group at the time. BJ [Watling] obviously was a massive part of that. But, yeah, they'll be memories that we'll share forever."
"It was a real, I guess, golden period for New Zealand cricket. And to be a part of that was pretty special. And to play alongside those two and form a pretty good friendship, which will go long beyond the game as well, is, I guess, the most satisfying part of all that. So, yeah, we'll reflect over years to come and look back on what was an incredible journey and sharing so many great memories together."

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Southee signs off on a happy note with a “pretty special” win

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