Tim Southee is regarded as the all-time Kiwi great and one of the best bowlers in test cricket all around the world. In the third and final Test match on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, the BlackCaps crushed England by 423 runs to match their largest victory margin by runs, giving veteran New Zealand medium-pacer Tim Southee a fitting send-off at his home stadium at Seddon Park, Hamilton.
The career of one of the best bowlers from New Zealand came to an end as Southee ended his 107th and final Test match with stats of 2-34. Among New Zealanders, he finished second only to Richard Hadlee with 391 Test wickets. Being a fast bowler playing more than 00 test matches in itself is an achievement.
Tim Southee has bowled consistently for the BlackCaps for the last 16 years. He has had some memorable spells in his career winning test matches single-handedly for his country. He has been a point of difference when it comes to bowlers whenever New Zealand has played.
Tim Southee’s Top 3 Spells In The Purest Form Of The Game.
One of the players with the longest tenure in New Zealand cricket history is Tim Southee, a seasoned fast bowler. In every format of the game, he has been one of New Zealand’s most significant players, but his performances in the red ball format have been especially crucial to his team.
1. 7/64 vs India, 2012
In subcontinental conditions, Tim Southee’s finest Test cricket performance occurred against India. Fast bowlers do not thrive in subcontinental circumstances, particularly in Test cricket. However, a Kiwi fast bowler’s career-best performance in Indian conditions reveals a lot about that player. He helped New Zealand take the lead in the first innings of the second test at Bengaluru by taking seven wickets. Although Southee’s outstanding bowling effort offered the Kiwis a chance to fight for the outcome, the Kiwis were unable to win this match.
2. 6/43 vs England, 2021
When the Kiwis visited England for the Test series a few years ago, Southee gave a fantastic session at Lord’s, the home of cricket. In the opening Test match, Southee troubled the English hitters by displaying his class. At the end of the first innings, New Zealand had a significant advantage thanks to his bowling effort. The game finished in a draw, and Southee played a key part in achieving this outcome.
3. 6/50 vs England, 2013
Another outstanding bowling display against the same opponent, England, at Lord’s. England easily defeated the Kiwis in the opening Test match of the test series, but Southee’s brilliance saved the day for New Zealand. The pitiful display with the bat was mostly caused by Southee’s test spell, which saw England knocked out for 213 runs in the second innings. In English circumstances, this is still one of the best bowling performances by a Kiwi bowler.
Tim Southee, Amongst The Greats Of The Game
Tim Southee is ranked 11th when it comes to fast bowlers list of highest wicket takers. His swing, line and length made him very difficult to play on any wicket. There are greats of the game just above him, like Wasim Akram, Curtly Ambrose, James Anderson, McGrath, Dale Steyn, Kapil Dev etc.
Tim Southee is one the best when it comes to swinging conditions. Teams feared him on tracks and conditions where there was assistance for the bowlers. He has more than 2000 runs and 300+ wickets in test matches which is a rare combination these days. He also has 50 catches to his name.
He was a more than decent fielder fielding in the slip cordon in the later part of his career. He also has hit close to 100 sixes in test cricket (98). He played the game in its spirit and is an ambassador of the gentlemen’s game.
Also Read : https://goworldwide.co.in/rohit-sharmas-captaincy-has-worst-set-ups/