Sir Richard Hadlee points out the only achievement Tim Southee has not achieved in Test cricket

New Zealand veteran fast bowler Tim Southey He officially retired from international cricket after an emotional farewell ceremony on Tuesday at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

Tim Southee bids farewell to international cricket

His farewell coincided with New Zealand’s farewell An emphatic 423-run victory over England In the third and final test of the series. The victory was a fitting farewell to Southee’s remarkable 17-year career, which left an indelible mark on New Zealand cricket. Even in his farewell Test, the 35-year-old showed his worth, taking two wickets as England were bowled out for 234 runs. The comprehensive win epitomized Southie’s ability to produce impactful performances right up until his last match, cementing his place among cricket’s greatest players.

Sir Richard Hadley highlights Southey’s unachieved achievement

Before the farewell ceremony, Southee received a guard of honor from both teams, in recognition of his valuable contributions to the game. Add emotional weight to the occasion, Sir Richard HadleyNew Zealand’s greatest bowler and Southee’s only one ahead of the country’s all-time wicket-taker list, paid tribute to the retired star.

Reflecting on Southie’s remarkable career, Hadley, at the post-match presentation ceremony, pointed out the one achievement that eluded him: “It was only fitting that Tim finished his career by reaching the 400 wicket mark. In my opinion he truly deserved it. But unfortunately that was not the case.”

Southee’s final tally of 391 wickets in 107 Tests places him second on the list of New Zealand’s all-time leading wicket-takers, trailing only Hadlee, who finished with 431 wickets. Although he narrowly missed the historic mark of 400 wickets, Hadlee’s remarks highlighted the bittersweet farewell and the sheer scale of Southee’s career achievements.

Read also: Fans celebrate New Zealand’s 423-run win over England in Tim Southee’s farewell Test

A legacy of excellence and consistency for New Zealand

Tim Southee’s journey began as a teenager during his Test debut against England in Napier in 2008. When he was just 19 years old, Southee made an instant impression, taking a sensational 5 for 55 with the ball and smashing 77 off 40 balls, hitting a brilliant catch. With nine sixes. This exceptional debut paved the way for a career characterized by consistency, match-winning spells and explosive lower-order contributions.

Known for his ability to swing the ball incredibly well in both directions, adapting seamlessly to different conditions and formats, Southie was a cornerstone of New Zealand’s bowling attack for over a decade. His leadership qualities were equally impressive. Southie captained New Zealand during crucial stages, earning respect for his tactical acumen and composure under pressure.

In addition to his bowling brilliance, Southee brought flair and entertainment with the bat. He finished his career with 98 sixes in Test cricket, ranking fourth on the list of all-time sixes, as he demonstrated his ability to change games with his powerful lower-order batting. Additionally, his safe hands on the field led to 85 runs, which is a testimony to his all-round value as a cricketer.