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NZ vs ENG: The mighty New Zealand pacer is going out with a whimper into his final Test cricket. But that likely win could not mask just one painful fact for Tim Southee – a near-miss record, one six and two for a great tale to remember. Had Southee hit two more sixes, he would have joined an exclusive club of Test batsmen who have hit 100 sixes. This near-miss, coupled with his retirement, will be a source of regret for the 36-year-old veteran.
New Zealand in a Dominant Position
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The third Test between New Zealand and England is underway at Seddon Park in Hamilton, and New Zealand has established a commanding position. It has already been a lost cause for England by the end of Day 3 having lost two wickets for 18 runs and being way behind, as they require an impossible 640 runs to win.
New Zealand, on the other hand, has dominated with the help of a brilliant century by Kane Williamson (156 runs), taking the lead to an impressive 453 runs. England is now left to face a target of 658 runs.
Tim Southee’s Emotional Farewell
This Test match marks the end of the glorious career of Tim Southee, and for a fast bowler, this Test match marks his final end as one of New Zealand’s best players, with his side in an advantageous position heading into the last day of the match. Southee, who has been a key figure in New Zealand cricket, is widely regarded as the second-highest wicket-taker in Test history for his country, with 389 wickets to his name.
However, as Southee reflects on his career, there’s one personal milestone that eluded him: hitting 100 sixes in Test cricket. Had he hit two more sixes, he would have been part of an exclusive list of batsmen to achieve this feat. The only players ahead of him in this record are Adam Gilchrist (100 sixes), Brendon McCullum (107), and Ben Stokes (133). Instead, Southee will finish his career with 98 sixes, two short of a century of sixes in Test cricket.
A Near-Miss to Remember
The last Test innings Southee has played added to his legacy. In the first innings of this match, he equaled the record of former West Indies batsman Chris Gayle by hitting 98 sixes in Tests. But on his last innings, Southee got out for two runs and missed the opportunity to enter the 100-club by two sixes.
His near-miss of this milestone is bittersweet, especially given that he had already scored 23 runs off just 10 balls, including three sixes, in the first innings. While he couldn’t hit two more sixes to reach the coveted 100, his aggressive batting display in the match was a testament to his free-spirited approach to the game.
A Guard of Honour and a Fitting Farewell
As part of his farewell, Southee was given a guard of honor by the England team as he walked out to bat for the last time in his Test career. Talking about the moment, Southee said, “It was a strange feeling. I never felt so much pressure while batting. But it was good fun.”. It was a good two days for the boys.” The gesture by the England team was a befitting tribute to a player who has been a mainstay in world cricket for over a decade.es for their support and camaraderie, especially former captain Brendon McCullum. He (McCullum) said something – I didn’t hear him properly, but he has c
Southee also thanked his teammatertainly been there for a long time and has been a great partner. It’s good that he is here for this last time as well,” said Southee. There was an emotional undertone to his retirement, which he reflected on, including how special it was to take wickets for New Zealand during his career.
Reflecting on a Storied Career
Tim Southee, whose career has taken up 106 Tests and 389 wickets, surely missed the thrill of taking the wickets in the long format of the game. Talking about his career he said, “As I have said before, growing up as a kid, taking a wicket- every time you get this feeling, it is a feeling I will definitely miss. It has been a big part of my life.”. It is an honor for me to do what I have been able to do.”
Despite missing out on a historic 100 sixes in Test cricket, Southee’s legacy is far greater than just a statistical achievement. His contributions to the ball, leadership, and infectious enthusiasm have made him one of the most respected cricketers of his generation.
Tim Southee’s career will be remembered for many reasons, from his brilliant fast bowling to his aggressive batting, especially at the tail end of innings. The regret of not hitting 100 sixes may stay with him, but that is a small footnote in an otherwise extraordinary career.
With New Zealand expected to win this third Test and Southee set to retire on a high, the pacer can take immense pride in his many achievements. His journey will inspire generations of cricketers who will follow in his footsteps, and his name will forever be etched in New Zealand’s cricketing history.
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