Legendary New Zealand fast-bowler Tim Southee has announced his retirement from Test cricket following the conclusion of England's Tour of New Zealand.
Now 35, his final match will see him play on his home ground of Hamilton next month after beginning his career against England in Napier as a 19-year-old in March 2008.
Days away from turning 36, his career statistics to date include 385 Test wickets, 221 ODI wickets and 164 T20I wickets with a further 1124 wickets in all other formats and level - First-Class, List A and T20s.
Although he confirmed his retirement, Southee revealed that he will come out of retirement for the World Test Championship final at Lord's in June 2025 only if New Zealand qualify.
"Representing New Zealand was all I ever dreamed of growing up," Southee said in his retirement announcement.
"To play for the Black Caps for 18 years has been the greatest honour and privilege, but the time feels right to now step away from the game that has given so much to me.
"Test cricket holds a special place in my heart, so to be able to play such a big series against the same opponent my Test career began against all those years ago, and on three grounds that are incredibly special to me, seems the perfect way to end my time in the Black Cap."
The second-leading wicket-taker for New Zealand in Tests - only behind Sir Richard Hadlee - he is the only bowler in international cricket that has reached 300 Test wickets, 200 ODI wickets and 100 T20I wickets.
He will be only fondly remembered for taking 7-33 against England at the 2015 ICC World Cup in the ODI format and claiming four wickets in the nation's World Test Championship final win over India in 2021.
Surprisingly, he has also scored the second-most sixes by a New Zealand cricket in Test matches and has a high score of 77 not out.
"I'll always be so grateful to my family, friends, coaches, our fans and everyone involved in the game who has supported me and my career over the years," he added.
"It's been an amazing ride and I wouldn't change a thing."
