A Memorable Entrance at Seddon Park
New Zealand’s legendary pace bowler Tim Southee made an emotional exit from Test cricket during the third and final match of the series against England at his home ground, Seddon Park in Hamilton. On December 14, as Southee walked onto the field for the last time, the crowd erupted in applause, but the moment was made even more poignant when he carried his young daughter in his arms, flanked by his wife, Byra, and their other daughter. This heartfelt entrance set the tone for a day dedicated to celebrating his remarkable career.
A Legacy Built on Excellence
At 36 years old, Southee leaves behind an illustrious legacy, having taken a remarkable 389 wickets in 107 Test matches, solidifying his place as New Zealand’s second-highest Test wicket-taker, only behind the legendary Sir Richard Hadlee, who took 431 wickets. His career is distinguished not only by his bowling prowess—marked by an impressive average of 30.21 and 15 five-wicket hauls—but also as New Zealand’s all-time leading wicket-taker across all formats, with a staggering 774 international wickets.
A moment to cherish forever 🫶#TimSouthee walks out for his final Test with his daughter as Seddon Park applauds the Kiwi pacer 👏👨👧#SonySportsNetwork #NZvENG #ThankYouTim pic.twitter.com/fYDgHQm4Ls
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) December 14, 2024
Southee’s contributions extend beyond his bowling; he also ranks among the top hitters in Test history for sixes. In his final innings, he showcased his batting skills as well, scoring 23 runs off just 10 balls, including three sixes, bringing his career total of Test sixes to 98 as he eyes the coveted milestone of 100 in the second innings.
Tributes and Celebrations
The cricketing world paid tribute to Southee, hailing him as a role model who embodied the spirit of New Zealand cricket. His dedication and consistency were acknowledged by former and current teammates, emphasizing the significant role he played in the rise of New Zealand cricket, particularly during the 2010s era.
The emotional farewell reached its pinnacle when Southee strode out to bat after New Zealand lost their eighth wicket. In a show of respect, the England team, led by captain Ben Stokes, formed a guard of honour, while the crowd at Seddon Park delivered a standing ovation in recognition of his contributions to the sport.
The Match Context
Although the match was largely dominated by England, which exploited favorable conditions to limit New Zealand’s scoring, Southee’s cameo added a thrilling touch to the occasion. New Zealand ended Day 1 at 315/9, with captain Tom Latham scoring a commendable 63 and Mitchell Santner providing late resistance with an unbeaten 50. Despite New Zealand’s struggles in the series, already trailing 0-2, the focus on this day was rightfully on Southee, celebrating his incredible journey in cricket.
Final Thoughts
Tim Southee’s departure from Test cricket marks the end of an era for New Zealand cricket. His legacy—a blend of dedication, skill, and sportsmanship—will undoubtedly be remembered by fans and aspiring cricketers for years to come. As he walks away from the game, Southee leaves behind a rich tapestry of memories, achievements, and admiration from all corners of the cricketing world.
