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Tim Southee
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Timothy Grant Southee ONZM (born 11 December 1988) is a former New Zealand international cricketer who has captained New Zealand cricket team in all formats of the game. He is a right-arm medium-fast bowler and a hard-hitting lower order batsman. The third New Zealand bowler to take 300 Test wickets, he was one of the country's youngest cricketers, debuting at the age of 19 in February 2008. On his Test debut against England he took 5 wickets and made 77 off 40 balls in the second innings.[1] He plays for Northern Districts in the Plunket Shield, Ford Trophy and Super Smash as well as Northland in the Hawke Cup. He was named as New Zealand's captain for the first T20I against West Indies in place of Kane Williamson, who was rested for that game.[2] The Blackcaps won that match by 47 runs.[3] Southee was a member of the New Zealand team that won the 2019–2021 ICC World Test Championship. Southee's Test batting strike rate of 82.68 is the third highest among batsmen with a minimum of 2000 career runs.[4] He was also a part of the New Zealand squads to finish as runners-up in two Cricket World Cup finals in 2015 and 2019.

Key Information

Southee is known for his ability to generate late outswing at a brisk pace, and later with off cutting slower balls almost like a faster off-spinner on a damp wicket and death bowling. He was the third-highest wicket-taker at the 2011 ICC World Cup (18 wickets at 17.33). He also impressed at the 2015 ICC World Cup, taking 7 wickets in a round robin league match against England. This performance was named Wisden's ODI spell of the decade.[5] Southee announced his retirement from Test cricket in 2024, finishing with 98 sixes (equal fourth highest) and 391 wickets (third highest for New Zealand) in the format.

Early and personal life

[edit]

Southee was born in Whangārei, New Zealand, and grew up in Northland. He was educated at Whangārei Boys' High School and King's College, Auckland. While at school, he excelled at both cricket and rugby, playing representative rugby for the Auckland Secondary School and Northern Region teams.[6]

Southee is married to Brya Fahy.[7] The couple have two daughters.[8][9]

International youth representative

[edit]

Southee played under-19 cricket for New Zealand from 2006 to 2009. His under-19 career included 13 one-day matches – 10 at ICC Under-19 World Cups – and a drawn three-match Youth Test series against India in early 2007. His last youth appearance was at the 2008 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, where he was player of the tournament.

Southee was 17 years old when he debuted in the 2006 ICC Under-19 World Cup on 5 February, against Bangladesh in Colombo, Sri Lanka. He also played against Pakistan, Ireland, the United States and Nepal in that tournament. He ended with 5 wickets at an average of 38.8, and 113 runs at 22.6.[10] New Zealand lost the Plate Final to Nepal.[11]

In 2007, Southee played his only three Youth Tests when New Zealand hosted India. In the second match of the series, which New Zealand won, he took 6–36 and 6–56.[12] He finished the drawn series with 20 wickets at an average of 18.2.[13]

By the time Southee appeared at his second ICC Under-19 World Cup, in Malaysia in 2008, he had already played two full Twenty20 internationals for New Zealand. His bowling saw him named the player of the tournament.[14] He took 5/11 in New Zealand's first match, against Zimbabwe, and went on to take 17 wickets in five matches, averaging only 6.64 and conceding only 2.52 runs an over.[15] Only South Africa's Wayne Parnell took more wickets (18), although he played one more match.[16] Southee's last under-19 appearance was New Zealand's semi-final loss to eventual champions India, a rain-affected match in which he took 4/29.[17]

Within a month, Southee played in his debut test match. The youth squads he played in included other future internationals Kane Williamson, Martin Guptill, Trent Boult, Corey Anderson, Hamish Rutherford, and Hamish Bennett.[18]

International career

[edit]

Southee began his international career as one of the youngest ever to feature for New Zealand. He has become a regular member of the international side in all three formats – Twenty20, one-day internationals, and test matches.

First Twenty20 matches for New Zealand

[edit]

New Zealand's selectors and coaches took great interest in Southee while he was still playing youth cricket. In 2007 national bowling coach Dayle Hadlee took him to India. Hadlee later said that while there Dennis Lillee had compared Southee's talent to that of Glenn McGrath when he was young. Hadlee, brother of New Zealand Cricket Selection Manager Sir Richard Hadlee, also said that he'd been "whispering in Black Caps coach John Bracewell's ear about the possibility of taking Southee on the upcoming tour of England."[19]

While in the selectors' eye Southee took 6/68 in the first innings of a first class match against Auckland in early December (the innings ended on his 19th birthday).[20] Within a fortnight he was picked to play for a New Zealand XI side in a Twenty20 match against a Bangladesh side on 23 December 2007. The game, played at Northern Districts' home ground of Seddon Park in Hamilton, was a charity match for cyclone relief in Bangladesh, and not a full international. Southee bowled three overs and took 1/31.[21]

On 30 January 2008, Southee was named in the New Zealand squad for two Twenty20 International games against England. Selection manager Sir Richard Hadlee said:[22]

Why delay producing a player of some talent? Perhaps I could compare him with Brendon McCullum when he started – he had a lot of potential. It might take a lot of time for Tim to find his feet but why wait two or three years when someone is in a special category? The feedback we're getting is that this guy has got it.

Southee's international debut took place two years to the day after he had first played under-19 cricket for New Zealand, on 5 February 2008 in Auckland. He took 1/38.[23] In the second match, Southee was New Zealand's best bowler with figures of 2/22 from four overs.[24]

Most of the New Zealand squad stayed together for the first three one day matches that followed, but Southee rejoined the national Under-19 team for the 2008 Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Malaysia.[25]

Southee bowling

Test match debut

[edit]

England were still touring New Zealand when Southee returned home from the 2008 Under-19 World Cup as player of the tournament. The one-day series was over but the three-match test was about to begin. When injury ruled Kyle Mills out of the third Test match, in Napier, Southee was added to the squad and made his Test match debut on 22 March 2008. Aged only 19 years and 102 days, he was New Zealand's seventh-youngest test debutant.[26]

He had an immediate impact in the first day, dismissing Michael Vaughan and Andrew Strauss in his second and third overs, and then later claiming the wicket of Kevin Pietersen. On the second day he took two more wickets and completed a debut five-wicket haul, finishing with 5–55. During New Zealand's second innings, chasing 553, Southee hit New Zealand's fastest half-century in 29 balls. His innings, which ended on 77* from just 40 balls, included nine sixes and four fours.[27]

2008 season (northern summer)

[edit]

At the end of the 2007–08 season a survey of New Zealand's first class cricketers named Southee the country's most promising cricketer[28] and in April he was awarded one of New Zealand Cricket's 20 player contracts, placing him among the players with "the greatest likely future value to the Black Caps in the next 12 months".[29]

His rise was reflected in his selection for his first full international tour, to England, Ireland and Scotland from May to July. He played a single test match at Lord's, taking 0/59 in a drawn game, and seven one-day internationals (five against England and one each against the other two hosts). In the ODIs he took 16 wickets, averaging 16.93.[30]

In October New Zealand visited Bangladesh to play three ODIs and two tests. Southee only played the ODIs, taking a combined two wickets for 114. Before the tests captain Daniel Vettori said that there was one position in the team for either Iain O'Brien or Southee.[31] The position went to O'Brien.

2008–09 New Zealand season

[edit]
Southee at a training session in 2009

Through the 2008–09 summer Southee competed for a place in the New Zealand team with more experienced bowlers like Iain O'Brien and Ian Butler. Game-changing performances like the previous summer's five-wicket bags eluded him, though he played 19 matches for his country.

New Zealand's summer began with a short tour to Australia for two test matches. Southee took a combined 5/225 in those matches, going wicketless in the second. Australia won the series easily.[32][33] Later in the summer New Zealand returned to Australia for five ODIs and a Twenty20 match.

The first inbound tourists of the summer were the West Indies, beginning with a test series for which Southee was dropped. He returned to Northern Districts for the first time since the previous season.[34] The national team picked Southee again for two Twenty20s, across which he took 2/83,[35] and five ODIs (5/180, with two matches being drawn due to rain).[36]

In February 2009 New Zealand visited Australia for a five-match Chappell–Hadlee Trophy ODI series and a single Twenty20. Southee played all the one-day matches but only took three wickets, averaging 84.33.[37] The series was drawn 2–2 and Australia retained the Chappell–Hadlee Trophy. The Twenty20 match, which was a 1-run win to Australia, saw Southee take 1/31.[38]

New Zealand finished the summer hosting India for two Twenty20s, five ODIs and three tests. With Kyle Mills injured Southee played both Twenty20 matches, taking 1/42 and 1/36.[39][40] New Zealand named a 12-man squad for the first three ODIs with Mills returning alongside Southee and fellow seam bowlers Iain O'Brien and Ian Butler. Initially, Southee and Butler were seen as competing for a starting spot.[41] Butler played all three matches but Southee replaced Iain O'Brien in the third.[42] He was hit for 105 runs without taking a wicket[43] and then dropped from the squad.[44]

Southee played only in the third of the tests, ahead of Mills and Jeetan Patel. India continued to dominate him, and his 30 overs across both innings cost 152 runs for only 3 wickets.[45] The match was a draw, letting India win the series 1–0.

2009 winter season – lower-level internationals

[edit]

Southee retained one of New Zealand Cricket's 20 player contracts for the 12 months from 1 August 2009[46] but through the winter season was left out of Black Caps teams. Instead he played as a New Zealand emerging player, and for New Zealand A. His results were encouraging but Shane Bond's return to international cricket gave him another rival for international selection.

In late July and early August the Australian Institute of Sport hosted a four-team tournament including "emerging players" teams from New Zealand, India and South Africa. The tournament combined both Twenty20 matches (New Zealand played two) and one-day matches (six). Southee played all eight matches for New Zealand, finishing with 12 wickets – twice as many as any of his teammates – at 28.66.[47] He scored runs quickly with 55 off 56 balls in the one-days matches.[48] New Zealand won only one game.

Within a week of the tournament finishing in Australia, Southee arrived in Chennai, India to play four two-day games and a 50-over match with the New Zealand A side. Southee took only three wickets in the two-day matches (one in each of New Zealand's bowling innings, with one game ruined by rain). In the one-day match he took 3/37 off six overs.[49]

2009–2010 season

[edit]

After missing the 2009 winter season Southee became a regular selection for New Zealand in the 2009–10 summer, playing 18 of the season's 22 international matches against Pakistan, Bangladesh and Australia.[50] He also played ten HRV Cup matches for Northern Districts in January.[51]

With bowler Daryl Tuffey unavailable due to a broken hand, Southee regained a place in the New Zealand side that travelled to Abu Dhabi and Dubai to play three ODIs and two Twenty20s against Pakistan.[52][53] Before the series captain and stand-in coach Daniel Vettori said he hoped that Southee could "cement his place" in the side.[54] Vettori picked him for all five matches, across which he took seven wickets (four in the ODIs, three in Twenty20s).[50]

The teams moved to New Zealand for a three test series. Before the series Southee played for an invitational XI in a three-day match against the tourists[55] but he "didn't think I bowled very well"[56] and was omitted for the first two tests. He returned to Northern Districts and immediately took 8/27 in a Plunket Shield match against Wellington, the third-best figures in Northern Districts history.[56] (The Wellington match was marred for Southee by a two-day suspension for swearing.[57]) He was added to the New Zealand team for the third and final test, in Napier, opening the bowling and taking three wickets.[50]

In February Bangladesh visited New Zealand for three ODIs, one Twenty20 and a test. Southee went wicketless in the Twenty20 and first ODI, then missed the second ODI. He returned with three wickets in the third.[50] In the one-off test he opened the bowling and took four wickets across two innings. New Zealand won by 121 runs, giving them a clean sweep of the tour.[58]

Australia's tour included two Twenty20s, five ODIs and two tests.[59] Southee played all of these matches except the first Twenty20.[50] His series began slowly, with only two wickets in his first five games. Although in the last ODI (which was a dead rubber) he took 4/36 and was man of the match in a 51-run victory.[60]

Australia won the test series easily. In the first match New Zealand only took five wickets, none of them falling to Southee.[61] In the second New Zealand started by bowling Australia out for 231. Southee had four first-innings wickets and added two more top-order scalps in the second. His two batting scores – 22 not out and 45 respectively – were his best since his debut test.[62][63]

Building up to the 2011 World Cup, New Zealand's northern tours in 2010 focused on short forms of cricket. The team played five matches at the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 in the West Indies, a historic two-match Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka in the United States, four ODIs in a Tri-Series with Sri Lanka and India, a five-ODI series in Bangladesh, then five ODIs and three tests in India. The tour to India lasted until December.

Southee was a squad member for every series of the season, playing in 14 of these 24 matches.[64]

Ten months after missing selection for the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 Southee played the first three of New Zealand's five games in the 2010 edition, taking a single wicket in each,[64] but was dropped on form.[65] New Zealand were knocked out at the "Super 8" stage.

New Zealand and Sri Lanka then played two matches at Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida. This was the first time full ICC members played each other in the United States.[66] Across the two games Southee only bowled four overs, ending with a combined 0/25.[64]

The three sub-continental countries that New Zealand toured to in 2010 were to host the ICC World Cup in March and April 2011. The tours were seen as important pre-cup practice[67] but New Zealand lost every series.[68] Southee took six wickets in seven ODIs (including four in one match), and four wickets in two tests.

In August New Zealand played a triangular one-day tournament hosted by Sri Lanka and including India. They played four matches, all in Dambulla, selecting Southee for the second (a loss to Sri Lanka) and fourth (a "comprehensive thrashing"[69] against India), in which he took four wickets. New Zealand finished third.

It wasn't until October that New Zealand toured again, this time to Bangladesh for five ODIs in Dhaka. The tourists were "thoroughly outplayed throughout the series"[70] and did not win a match. Southee played in two of the matches without taking a wicket.

The team to India played three tests (for the first time since March) and five ODIs. New Zealand did not win a game, though the first two tests were drawn.[71] Southee missed the first test but replaced Jeetan Patel for the last two. He took four wickets at an average of 56. He played in three of the ODIs but didn't bowl in the last of them (India's chase only lasted 22 overs),[72] and took a combined 1/97.[73]

2010–11 season: Pakistan in New Zealand

[edit]

With the 2011 ICC World Cup starting in February, New Zealand only hosted one tour for the summer. Pakistan visited for three Twenty20s, two tests and six ODIs. Southee only missed one ODI, playing all the other matches. He became the third bowler (and second New Zealander) to take a hat-trick in a Twenty20 international, and also took his first ODI five-wicket bag.[74]

The Twenty20 series began on Boxing Day in Auckland, where Southee was named man of the match. He finished the sixth over of the game with a wicket. In his next over he took a hat-trick – only the third in international Twenty20 cricket[74] – giving him four top-order wickets in five balls. He ended with 5/18 in four overs – at the time his best figures in Twenty20 internationals. New Zealand won the match.[75][76] Southee also took consecutive wickets in the second match, finishing with 2/26. In the third he took 1/53. His bowling average for the series was 12.1.[77]

The first day of the first test saw Pakistan take seven wickets in 65 overs. Southee, batting at 8, played through to the end of the 90-over day with Kane Williamson in a partnership that "prevented Pakistan's complete domination",[78] earning his second test half-century in the process. He was out the next morning for 56, making him joint top-scorer for the innings. Southee also took two first-innings wickets, but over the second and third days Pakistan easily won the match.[79] Established as one of New Zealand's opening bowlers, Southee added two wickets in each innings of the second test. This gave his 6 for the series, averaging 40.5. He also scored another 23 runs in a drawn match.[80] Both his batting and bowling averages for the series were better than his test career averages to date.[81]

Southee played five of the six ODIs. One was washed out in the third over, effectively making it a five-match series. Pakistan won 3–2.[82] In the first match Southee won another man of the match award for taking his first ODI five-wicket bag, including three in his opening spell. His 5/33 helped bowl Pakistan out for 134, leaving an easy chase for his team.[83]

His figures faded through the series though, and in the last two matches he played (the fourth and sixth of the series) he didn't take any wickets. Across the series he took 7/217, averaging 31.[84]

He was awarded the T20 Player of the Year by NZC for the 2010–11 season.[85]

2011 ICC Cricket World Cup

[edit]

Southee was the third-highest wicket-taker at the 2011 World Cup, hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. He was named by the ICC as the 12th man, and only New Zealander, in the "team of the tournament"[86] having finished with 18 wickets at 17.33 (Shahid Afridi and Zaheer Khan jointly topped the wicket-takers).[87] He opened the bowling in seven of New Zealand's eight matches and was first change in the other. New Zealand used 12 bowlers in the tournament, with only Southee and Nathan McCullum bowling in all of their games.[88]

Southee's best figures came in New Zealand's win against eventual semi-finalists Pakistan. He took 3/25, with each dismissed batsman playing in Pakistan's top five.[89] He took wickets in all of New Zealand's matches, including three each against Kenya, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka twice – in the group stages and in the first semi-final.[90]

The New Zealand team employed former South African fast bowler Allan Donald as a bowling coach from January 2011. His work was credited as contributing a lot towards Southee's improvement and success at the world cup. Towards the end of the tournament Donald predicted that Southee could be the best swing bowler in world cricket:[91]

The first thing I said to [Tim Southee] when I met him was, 'I want you to take the responsibility of leading this attack. As young as you are, I want you to take that responsibility because you could become the best swing bowler in world cricket in the next year or so' ... I haven't changed his style of bowling, although I think we can improve that. I think he can add the inswinger to right-handers and that's something I need to bring to his game to add some variety.

New Zealand ended the tournament as beaten semi-finalists. He was named as 12th man in the 'Team of the Tournament' for the 2011 World Cup by the ICC.[92]

Twenty20s in India and England in 2011

[edit]

Southee had been passed over at the 2011 IPL player auction in January, but shortly after New Zealand were eliminated from the World Cup his form led to the Chennai Super Kings signing him for the IPL's 2011 season, which began on 8 April. The Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming's last test appearance for New Zealand had coincided with Southee's first.[93] In his IPL debut Southee helped the Super Kings to a two-run victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders by conceding only 6 runs in the last over of the match.[94] By playing the IPL Southee gave up the chance to join English county Essex for their domestic summer,[95] but he did join them for the 2011 Friends Life t20 after the IPL.[96] During a victory over Glamorgan, Southee took 6/16 including a hat-trick, establishing the record for best bowling figures for Essex in a t20.[97]

On 26 August 2021, Southee was included in the Kolkata Knight Riders squad for the second phase of the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL) in the United Arab Emirates.[98]

2011–12 season (southern summer)

[edit]

New Zealand's season began with a short tour to Zimbabwe which included their first test match since January 2011, ten months before. Southee was injured out of that tour, with his knee not having recovered.[99] Instead his season began with Northern Districts' first class matches, proving his fitness with a haul of 7–37 in the first innings against Wellington.[100]

2012 northern season

[edit]

On the tour to West Indies there were 2 T20Is, 5 ODIs and 2 tests. On a difficult tour NZ won only 1 ODI, losing all the other internationals.

In the 5-match ODI series Southee was top New Zealand wicket-taker with 10.[citation needed]

Partnering Neil Wagner and Doug Bracewell, Trent Boult and Southee were called up for the 2nd test at Sabina Park and took 4 and 3 wickets respectively.

The schedule for New Zealand's tour to Sri Lanka included a Twenty20 match (abandoned due to rain), five ODIs (two abandoned, three rain-affected and won by Sri Lanka), and two test matches.[101]

Southee played all three of the ODIs to count, taking only two wickets. In the fourth ODI he picked up three wickets before rain interrupted his over and ultimately led to the match being abandoned.

The test series was drawn one match all – including New Zealand's first win in Sri Lanka in over a decade – and Southee played a major part. He took 12 wickets at an average under 14. ESPNcricinfo rated him the best of the New Zealanders, saying that "on this series' evidence he can be an effective spearhead for New Zealand in the years to come."[102]

2012–13 season (southern summer)

[edit]

By the start of the 2012–13 summer, national captain Brendon McCullum recognised Southee as "our number 1 bowler", an assessment that held even as New Zealand toured South Africa in December and January without Southee, who stayed behind for the birth of his first child and then injured his thumb in a domestic match.[103]

On 14 February Southee returned to cricket after two months. Playing for Northern Districts in the Plunket Shield, he took 1 wickets and scored 3 runs. His form, and Mitchell McCleneghan being ruled out, led to a selection for the squad to play against the touring English team.[104]

Southee returned to the New Zealand test side for the three match series against England. He took only one wicket in the first two matches, but in the third game at Eden Park Southee returned to form, taking 5 wickets as New Zealand fell one wicket short of a series win over the tourists.

2013 season (northern summer)

[edit]

In May 2013, New Zealand travelled to England to play two further test matches. Southee lead the New Zealand attack, bowling superbly to take a career best 10 wickets in the first test at Lord's (becoming the first New Zealander since Dion Nash to do so). He also bowled well in the second test at Headingley, and was widely regarded as unfortunate to finish with just 2 wickets.

2014–15 and Cricket World Cup

[edit]

In the first half of 2014, Southee continued to establish himself as one of the best new ball bowlers in the world, leading New Zealand to a test series victory over a touring Indian side with 11 wickets in a series of consistent performances. He followed this by once again leading the New Zealand bowlers in their tour of the West Indies. Southee again took 11 wickets as New Zealand won their first away series against major opposition in 12 years. By the end of the tour, Southee had risen to number 6 in the ICC world bowling rankings. For his performances in 2014, he was named in the World Test XI by ICC.[105]

In the 2015 Cricket World Cup group match in Wellington, he took his career best bowling figures of 7/33 against England. The opponents were bowled out for 123 and the Black Caps won by 8 wickets with Southee being named Man of the Match.[106]

2016 onwards

[edit]

Coming at no.10 against India at Dharamshala, Southee scored his first half century in ODIs. This was the fifth highest by any player in ODIs at no. 10 position. After getting dropped in the 1st test versus South Africa for Jeetan Patel he came on as a substitute fielder and caught Hashim Amla.[107] [108]

In May 2018, he was one of twenty players to be awarded a new contract for the 2018–19 season by New Zealand Cricket.[109]

On 3 June 2018, he was selected to play for the Vancouver Knights in the players' draft for the inaugural edition of the Global T20 Canada tournament.[110] In August 2019, in the series against Sri Lanka, Southee became the fourth bowler for New Zealand to take 250 wickets in Test cricket.[111] In August 2019, Southee equaled the tally of sixes by the legend Sachin Tendulkar in test cricket with 69 sixes.[112] On 29 December 2020, in the First Test of the series against Pakistan, Southee became the Third bowler for New Zealand to take 300 wickets in Test cricket.

Southee played his first match in the 2019 Cricket world cup against England on 3 July 2019 at the Riverside Ground. It was his only match played in the entire CWC 2019. In that match, he had bowled 9 overs (54 Balls) giving out 70 runs and taking 1 wicket at an economy of 7.78 in bowling. With the bat, he scored 7*(16) with no boundaries at the strike-rate of 43.75.[113] In August 2021, Southee was named in New Zealand's squad for the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.[114]

In November 2022, during India tour of New Zealand, Southee claimed his second hat-trick in T20Is and joined Sri Lankan bowling legend Lasith Malinga in an elite list of T20I bowlers who have taken more than one hat-trick in the shortest format of the game.[115]

In February 2023, Tim Southee made history by becoming the first player from New Zealand to reach 700 international wickets.[116] He achieved this unprecedented milestone during the 2nd Test of England's tour of New Zealand, 2023, when he dismissed Ben Duckett.

In May 2024, he was named in New Zealand’s squad for the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup tournament.[117]

In November 2024, Southee announced his retirement from Test cricket at the end of the upcoming series against England. Southee played all 3 matches in the series, picking up 6 wickets to take him to 391 in Tests. His final tally is the second-highest for New Zealand in the format, behind Sir Richard Hadlee (431 wickets) and the eleventh-highest by any pace bowler.

In the 2025 King's Birthday Honours, Southee was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to cricket.[118]

Captaincy

[edit]

Southee was named stand-in T20I captain for the first T20I against West Indies. On 29 December 2017, he made his T20I captaincy debut.[119] Under his captaincy, New Zealand won the match.[120][121] Southee again captained New Zealand for first T20I against Pakistan as Kane Williamson was ruled out due to an injury. New Zealand won the match by 7 wickets.[122]

Southee was named as the captain for the ODI series against England at home due to regular captain Kane Williamson was dropped from the squad due to injury. On 28 February against England, Southee made ODI captaincy debut for New Zealand[123] In April 2019, he was named the vice-captain of New Zealand's squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup.[124][125] In August 2019, against Sri Lanka, he was named stand-in T20I captain for New Zealand as regular captain Kane Williamson was rested.[126] In October 2019, Kane Williamson was ruled out of T20I series against England due to a hip injury,[127] with Southee named as captain.[128]

Southee was named the full time Blackcaps Test captain in December 2022 after the resignation of Kane Williamson from the role.[129] In his first series as captain, he would lead New Zealand to a 0-0 draw against Pakistan.[130] In New Zealand's first Test series at home following his appointment, the Blackcaps would split the honours with England in a two-Test series. On 28 February 2023, after defeat in the first Test, New Zealand won against England by a single run, having earlier been asked to follow-on.[131] They became just the second team, after the West Indies, to win a Test match by this margin and the fourth team to win after following-on.[132]

Southee stood down as New Zealand Test team captain in October 2024, after a 2-0 defeat against Sri Lanka at Galle.[133][134]

Playing style

[edit]

Southee is a right arm medium fast out-swing bowler and lower-order batsman.[135] While not as quick as fellow new-ball bowler Trent Boult (and the fact that he does not keep bowling at 136–141 km/h for long spells in tests), Southee's meticulous accuracy and well disguised variations have allowed him to develop into a genuine spearhead. In 2008 when Southee was first selected in the national team Richard Hadlee remarked of him "He runs in relatively straight, he gets through his action nicely and he moves the ball, particularly away from the batsman".[22] He also established himself as the new opening bowling attack partnership with Boult,[136][137] having taken 46% of all wickets between them since 2013, especially since the retirement of Chris Martin.[138] In seaming conditions or bowling with an older ball, he tends to bowl more cross-seam deliveries. In damp pitches, he tends to bowl off cutters akin to a fast off spin. In Tests, they have been ably complemented by Neil Wagner's short left-arm seam deliveries.

Despite not being considered a recognised batsman, Southee's aggressive lower order batting was often useful. He scored 7 Test half-centuries (with a highest of 77* from 40 balls on debut against England) and has a top score of 156 in First-Class cricket. His Test strike-rate of 82.68 is the third highest of all time (minimum 2000 career runs) and his 98 sixes (equal fourth highest of all time) came at an unmatched rate of one for every 27 balls faced.

International cricket five-wicket hauls

[edit]

Southee has taken 20 five-wicket hauls in international cricket. He took his first on his Test debut, against England at McLean Park, Napier in 2008, becoming the sixth New Zealander to take a five-wicket haul on Test debut, taking figures of 5/55 in the first innings.[139][140] His best innings figures in Tests are 7/64, taken against India at Bangalore in 2012.[141]

His best ODI figures are the 7/33 he took against England during the 2015 Cricket World Cup.[142][143] His best figures in a T20I are 5/18, taken against Pakistan in 2010.[144]

Five-wicket hauls in Test matches[145]
No. Date Venue Opponent Inn Overs Runs Wkts Result
1 22 March 2008 McLean Park, Napier  England 1 23.1 55 5 Lost[140]
2 31 August 2012 M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru  India 2 24 64 7 Lost[141]
3 25 November 2012 Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu Stadium, Colombo  Sri Lanka 2 22 62 5 Won[146]
4 16 May 2013 Lord's, London  England 3 19 50 6 Lost[147]
5 25 November 2016 Seddon Park, Hamilton  Pakistan 2 21 80 6 Won[148]
6 20 January 2017 Hagley Oval, Christchurch  Bangladesh 1 28.3 94 5 Won[149]
7 30 March 2018 Hagley Oval, Christchurch  England 1 26 62 6 Drawn[150]
8 15 December 2018 Basin Reserve, Wellington  Sri Lanka 1 27 68 6 Drawn[151]
9 12 December 2019 Perth Stadium, Perth  Australia 3 21.1 69 5 Lost[152]
10 21 February 2020 Basin Reserve, Wellington  India 3 21 61 5 Won[153]
11 11 December 2020 Basin Reserve, Wellington  West Indies 2 17.4 32 5 Won[154]
12 2 June 2021 Lord's, London  England 2 25.1 43 6 Drawn[155]
13 25 November 2021 Green Park Stadium, Kanpur  India 1 27.4 69 5 Drawn[156]
14 17 February 2022 Hagley Oval, Christchurch  South Africa 3 17.4 35 5 Won[157]
15 9 March 2023 Hagley Oval, Christchurch  Sri Lanka 1 26.4 64 5 Won[158]
Five-wicket hauls in One-Day Internationals[159]
No. Date Venue Opponent Inn Overs Runs Wkts Result
1 22 January 2011 Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington  Pakistan 1 9.3 33 5 Won[160]
2 20 February 2015 Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington  England 1 9 33 7 Won[142]
3 20 February 2019 University Oval, Dunedin  Bangladesh 2 9.2 65 6 Won[161]
Five-wicket hauls in T20Is[162]
No. Date Venue Opponent Inn Overs Runs Wkts Result
1 26 December 2010 Eden Park, Auckland  Pakistan 1 4 18 5 Won[163]
2 17 August 2023 Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai  United Arab Emirates 1 4 25 5 Won[164]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tim Southee

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from Grokipedia
Tim Southee (born 11 December 1988) is a former er who played as a right-arm fast-medium bowler and right-handed lower-order batsman across all formats of the game. Over his 17-year international career from 2008 to 2024, he became New Zealand's highest wicket-taker in with 776 wickets, renowned for his and ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Born in , Northland, Southee rose through the domestic ranks with Northern Districts, making his first-class debut in January 2007. He burst onto the international stage at age 19, debuting in T20Is against on 5 February 2008, followed by his Test debut against on 22 March 2008 in Napier, and ODI debut against on 15 June 2008. In his maiden Test innings, he claimed 5 for 55, marking an explosive start to his red-ball career. Southee's career highlights include being part of New Zealand's 2021 ICC World Championship-winning team, where he took 56 wickets across the cycle, and reaching key milestones such as 300 wickets, 200 ODI wickets, and 100 T20I wickets—the only player to achieve all three. In , he finished with 391 wickets at an average of 30.26 in 107 matches, placing him second on New Zealand's all-time list behind Richard Hadlee's 431; in ODIs, he secured 221 wickets in 161 games at 33.70, and in T20Is, 164 wickets in 126 matches at 22.38. He also succeeded Kane Williamson as New Zealand's captain in December 2022, serving until October 2024 and leading the side in 14 matches with six wins, before stepping down ahead of the tour of . Southee retired from Test cricket in December 2024 following the home series against , signing off with a career that included 47 Test victories—the most for any New Zealander—and contributions to multiple ICC tournament semifinals, such as the and World Cups. He has since retired from all but continues to play in T20 leagues like the IPL and ILT20. As of November 2025, he works as 's bowling consultant, supporting the team during major series including , and was appointed bowling coach for ahead of IPL 2026.

Early life and personal life

Early life and introduction to cricket

Tim Southee was born on 11 December 1988 in , a coastal city in New Zealand's . He grew up on a sheep and beef in the nearby Waiotira area, where his family, including parents Murray and Joanne Southee, instilled an appreciation for rural life alongside sporting pursuits. Southee's father, a , occasionally involved him in farm work, which complemented his early interest in outdoor activities like . Local cricket clubs in provided the initial platform for his development, with influences from community games fostering his passion for the sport from a young age. Southee began playing at the age of six, quickly showing promise in local and school settings. He attended Boys' High School, where he excelled in and rugby, representing the school teams and honing his skills under coaches who recognized his potential as a fast bowler. His natural ability to generate pace and swing with the ball became evident during these formative years, as he practiced in club matches for outfits like the Maungakaramea Cricket Club. This early exposure to competitive play in Northland's scene laid the groundwork for his technical development, emphasizing control and movement rather than raw speed alone. His performances in under-age teams highlighted his innate talent and pace, drawing attention from scouts and setting him on a path toward higher levels of the game. These experiences in solidified his dedication, transitioning him from casual play to serious aspiration in .

Education and family background

Tim Southee was born on 11 December 1988 in , Northland, , where he spent his early years on his family's sheep and beef farm in the rural Waiotira area. His parents, Murray and Joanne (Jo) Southee, provided strong support for his sporting pursuits without a direct family history in professional , instead fostering an environment centered on outdoor activities typical of Northland's countryside lifestyle. Murray, a , and Joanne encouraged Tim and his siblings to engage in physical endeavors from a young age, emphasizing resilience and hard work through farm responsibilities and community sports. Southee began his secondary education at Boys' High School, completing Years 9 and 10 there while participating in school sports programs. He then transferred to in , where he finished his schooling after receiving a cricket scholarship that facilitated the move and allowed him to balance academic studies with intensified athletic training. At both institutions, Southee maintained involvement in multiple sports alongside his coursework, demonstrating discipline in managing school demands with extracurricular commitments. Beyond , Southee developed a keen interest in rugby during his school years, playing for the First XV over three seasons and representing at the under-16 level. This involvement in contact sports, combined with the physical demands of farm life in rural Northland, contributed to his development of a tough, adaptable character that complemented his emerging athletic talents.

Personal life and post-retirement activities

Southee married his longtime partner Brya Fahy in 2016, and the couple welcomed their first daughter, Indie May, in November 2017, followed by their second daughter, Sloane Ava, in 2019, and a third daughter in 2024. The family has been a pillar of support throughout his international career, including during his captaincy stints when balancing leadership demands with family responsibilities. Following his Test retirement in December 2024, Southee and his reside in Hamilton, where he has engaged in community initiatives, including offering personalized coaching sessions to local players alongside fellow former Black Cap BJ Watling. In his personal time, Southee enjoys fishing, golf, and family travel, activities that provide respite from his cricketing commitments. He has also spoken openly about the challenges posed by prolonged bio-secure bubble environments during the era, advocating for reduced isolation periods to better support players' well-being in . Southee's contributions to cricket were recognized in the 2025 King's Birthday Honours, where he was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to the sport. Post-Test retirement, Southee transitioned into coaching, serving as a specialist skills consultant for the England men's teams during their 2025 home summer, including the Ashes series, though he departed midway to fulfill commitments with the ILT20 league in the UAE. As a retired international cricketer, he has taken on a mentoring role for younger players in white-ball formats. In November 2025, he was appointed as the bowling coach for Kolkata Knight Riders for the IPL 2026 season.

Youth and domestic career

International youth representative

Tim Southee was selected for the Under-19 team in early 2006, making his youth One-Day International (ODI) debut at the age of 17 during the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in . His first match came on February 5, 2006, against in , where he bowled 10 overs and took 2 wickets for 39 runs, contributing to New Zealand's five-wicket victory. Over the tournament, Southee claimed 5 wickets in 4 matches at an average of 33.80, helping New Zealand advance to the Super League stage despite not progressing further. In the 2006–07 season, Southee continued his development through domestic form that caught the selectors' attention, leading to his inclusion in key youth fixtures. He played a pivotal role in the three-match Youth series against Under-19s hosted in New Zealand in 2007. In the second at , Southee took match figures of 12 for 92, including 6 for 36 in the first innings and 6 for 56 in the second, securing a 73-run victory for New Zealand and leveling the series 1-1. These performances, totaling 25 wickets across the drawn series at an average of 14.36, showcased his emerging ability to generate swing and seam movement on seaming pitches. Southee's breakthrough came at the 2008 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in , where he emerged as one of the tournament's standout performers. Taking 17 wickets in 5 matches at an exceptional average of 6.64 and an economy rate of 2.72, he finished as the second-highest wicket-taker behind South Africa's . A highlight was his 4 for 34 against in the group stage at Kinrara Oval, dismantling their top order and restricting them to 152, which set up New Zealand's seven-wicket win. He also claimed awards in the quarter-final against (4 for 23) and semi-final against (4 for 29), propelling New Zealand to the semi-finals before a loss to . Named Player of the Tournament, Southee's prowess—honed through prior youth exposure in varied conditions—earned widespread acclaim. These youth international exploits, combined with impressive net sessions where he regularly troubled senior batsmen, quickly elevated Southee into senior consideration. Just weeks before the 2008 Under-19 World Cup concluded, his form prompted selectors to fast-track him for his senior international debut in a T20I against on February 5, 2008, at , marking the beginning of his transition to the full side.

Domestic debut and Northern Districts career

Tim Southee made his first-class debut for Northern Districts during the 2006–07 State Championship (now known as the ) at the age of 18, facing at University Oval in on 19 February 2007. In that match, he bowled 17 overs for 2/100 in Otago's first and followed up with 0/21 in their second, contributing to Northern Districts' tense 4-wicket victory while chasing 247. His early domestic appearances built on strong youth performances, quickly establishing him as a promising fast bowler for the team. Over nearly two decades with Northern Districts, Southee has become the side's premier seamer, capturing 558 first-class wickets at an average of 27.84 and an economy rate of 3.00 as of the 2024–25 season. He excelled in key campaigns, topping the wicket-taking charts in both the 2010–11 and 2011–12 seasons with consistent swing and seam movement that troubled batsmen on pitches. In the 2012–13 season, his standout domestic and overall first-class form earned him the Winsor Cup, New Zealand Cricket's award for the leading first-class bowler, highlighted by economical spells and multiple five-wicket hauls that anchored Northern Districts' campaigns. Southee's contributions extended to limited-overs domestic cricket, where he played a pivotal role in Northern Districts' 2017–18 Super Smash title win, the team's first in the T20 competition since its , using his experience to mentor younger players and deliver crucial breakthroughs in high-pressure overs. By the 2020–21 season, following retirements among senior figures like , Southee transitioned into a leadership role, captaining the side in several matches while continuing to lead the bowling attack with his tactical acumen and enduring pace. This blend of on-field excellence and off-field guidance solidified his status as a cornerstone of Northern Districts' domestic success across formats.

T20 franchise leagues and IPL involvement

Tim Southee made his (IPL) debut in 2011 with the , where he played three matches and claimed two wickets. Over the course of his IPL career spanning 2011 to 2025, he featured in 54 matches across five teams, securing 47 wickets at an average of 37.06 and an economy rate of 8.64. His IPL journey reflected a mix of steady contributions and occasional standout performances, adapting his to the demands of T20 franchise , with limited appearances in the 2025 season for . Southee's team affiliations evolved through auctions and trades: he remained unsold or unused in 2012 and 2013 despite being with , before joining for the 2014 and 2015 seasons, where he played 15 matches and took 11 wickets. He switched to in 2016 and 2017, appearing in nine games and claiming eight wickets, including a notable spell during the 2017 season. In 2018 and 2019, he represented Royal Challengers Bangalore in 14 matches, picking up 13 wickets. Joining as a replacement in 2021, he played 21 matches over 2021–2023, taking 15 wickets, and was acquired by KKR again at the IPL 2025 auction for ₹1.5 , where he featured in limited games amid other commitments. Key highlights in the IPL include his career-best figures of 5/22 against in 2022, which restricted the opposition to 108 all out and earned him the award. Southee's ability to extract swing in the powerplay overs proved valuable, though his often suffered in death overs against aggressive batting lineups. Beyond the IPL, Southee excelled in other T20 franchise leagues, showcasing his versatility. In Australia's , he played for from 2014 to 2018, appearing in 30 matches and taking 35 wickets at an average of 22.77, including a standout 4/14 in a 2015 victory over . With the in the from 2016 to 2019, he featured in 18 matches, claiming 20 wickets at an of 7.50 and contributing to their 2018 title win with key spells in the playoffs. In the , Southee joined for the 2023–2025 seasons, playing 12 matches and taking 16 wickets; his 2025 participation came alongside his role as England's fast bowling consultant for upcoming series including , balancing commitments with league duties.

International career

Early international career (2007–2010)

Tim Southee made his international debut in the format on 5 February 2008 against at in , where he bowled 1 over for 15 runs without taking a , as lost by 32 runs. Just weeks later, on 22 March 2008, he earned his cap in the third match against at in Napier, replacing the injured ; Southee took 5 wickets for 55 runs in the first innings, becoming the sixth New Zealander to claim a on debut, while also scoring 10 in a losing cause. His debut followed on 15 June 2008 during 's tour of , at the in , where he took 1 for 63 in 8 overs in a 114-run defeat. Southee's early exposure continued with the 2008–09 home series against , where he featured in the ODIs and demonstrated growing potential despite mixed results. However, his 2009 schedule was disrupted by injuries, including a hand injury sustained during preparations for the in in September, which forced an early return home and sidelined him for the remainder of the northern summer. This injury contributed to his absence from the 2009 in , where reached the semifinals without him, as selectors opted for experience amid his recovery and workload management during the winter period. By the end of 2010, Southee had featured in 17 Tests, 41 ODIs, and 12 T20Is, capturing 68 Test wickets at an average of 32.45, reflecting a steep marked by flashes of brilliance interspersed with inconsistencies as he adapted to international demands. A standout moment came in the home T20I series against in December 2010, where he claimed his maiden (5 for 18, including a ) in the opener at , dismantling the batting lineup and securing a five-wicket win for . These early years highlighted Southee's raw pace and promise, though injuries and occasional profligacy underscored the challenges of establishing himself in the longer formats.

Breakthrough and World Cup years (2011–2015)

Southee's international breakthrough came during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he emerged as New Zealand's leading wicket-taker with 18 dismissals in eight matches at an average of 17.33, finishing as the tournament's third-highest wicket-taker overall. His swing bowling proved particularly effective in subcontinental conditions, highlighted by a five-wicket haul of 5/43 against South Africa in the quarter-final at Dhaka, which restricted the Proteas to 172 while chasing 222 and propelled New Zealand to the semi-finals. This performance, coupled with economical spells like 3/25 against Pakistan in the group stage, underscored his ability to exploit early movement and pressure top-order batsmen, earning praise from former South Africa coach Allan Donald for his potential as a world-class swing bowler. In the bilateral series that followed, Southee continued his ascent, notably in the 2011–12 Trans-Tasman Test series against Australia, where he took 2/103 and 0/11 across Australia's innings in the first Test at Brisbane, contributing to New Zealand's competitive showing despite a 9-wicket defeat. His form peaked during New Zealand's tour of England in 2013, including a 6/50 in the second innings of the first Test at Lord's, part of a 10-wicket haul (10/108) that marked the first such feat by a New Zealander at the venue since 1986, though England won the match and the series 2-0. These efforts demonstrated his growing maturity in red-ball cricket, blending pace, swing, and accuracy to challenge established line-ups. Southee's T20 prowess also flourished in this period, with eight wickets in five matches at the 2012 ICC World Twenty20, including key strikes against in a thrilling tie. His experiences in the , debuting for Chennai Super Kings in 2011, followed by stints with Mumbai Indians (2012), Royal Challengers Bangalore (2014), and later teams, honed his death-over yorkers and variations, enhancing his adaptability in limited-overs formats. He reached the milestone of 100 Test wickets during the 2013-14 home series against , in his 29th match during the second Test at Hamilton. In the 2014 tour of , he took 4/108 in the first Test at Kingston. In the 2014–15 rivalry, despite Australia's 2–0 Test series win, Southee took five wickets across two matches and contributed to New Zealand's ODI successes, including a 3–0 sweep that retained the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy. The pinnacle of this era arrived at the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, where Southee's 7/33 against in the opening match at demolished the opposition for 123, setting the tone for New Zealand's co-hosting campaign that reached the final. This spell, his career-best in ODIs, highlighted his mastery of swing in home conditions and propelled him to 15 wickets for the tournament at 18.06, cementing his status as a cornerstone of New Zealand's pace attack during a transformative phase.

Captaincy era and consistency (2016–2020)

Southee's emergence as a stand-in captain began in late 2017 when he led in the first T20I against the at , Nelson, guiding the team to a 47-run victory with his own figures of 3/36. This marked his debut as T20I skipper, stepping in for the rested , and highlighted his growing stature within the team. Over the next few years, he frequently assumed leadership duties in limited-overs formats, captaining the T20I series against in September 2019 with Williamson and rested, where won 2-1. Similarly, in November 2019, an injured Williamson handed Southee the reins for the T20I series against , resulting in a 3-2 series loss but showcasing his ability to manage a competitive side. His ODI captaincy debut came in March 2018 during the third ODI against at Hamilton, where he led to a 5-wicket win, completing a series clean sweep. Throughout this period, Southee's bowling consistency underpinned 's successes in major tournaments, establishing him as a reliable leader on and off the field. In the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup, he claimed 8 wickets across 5 matches at an economy of 6.00, contributing to 's semi-final appearance before a loss to the . Three years later, at the 2019 ODI World Cup, Southee played a crucial role in the semi-final against at , taking 2/42 in 10 overs to restrict the opposition to 221 and secure an 18-run victory that propelled to the final. His aggressive field placements and were instrumental in these high-stakes games, reflecting a leadership approach praised for its positivity and tactical boldness by coach . Southee's influence extended to mentoring emerging talent, particularly in the pace attack, as New Zealand transitioned post-Brendon McCullum. In the 2020 home Test series against , he exemplified this by taking 14 wickets in two matches, including his 10th of 5/61 in the first Test at , helping secure a 10-wicket win and a 2-0 series triumph. Later that year, against , Southee reached the milestone of 300 Test wickets by dismissing in the first Test at , becoming only the third New Zealander to achieve the feat after and . His warm personality and preparation routines fostered team cohesion, with former captain noting Southee's "great leadership qualities" and ability to support younger players like debutant in 2020. These years solidified Southee's reputation as a consistent performer and thoughtful leader, blending aggression with mentorship to sustain New Zealand's bowling strength.

Later international phase and Test retirement (2021–2025)

Southee's international career entered its later phase with continued contributions across formats, highlighted by his pivotal role in New Zealand's run to the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup final. In the tournament, he claimed seven wickets across six matches at an average of 18.14, including his 100th T20I wicket against , showcasing his evolution as a white-ball specialist with improved variations and economy in the death overs. His experience from prior stints aided New Zealand's balanced attack, though they fell short in the final against . The following year, Southee assumed the T20I , leading the side to series wins and maintaining his status as a core seamer. In during 2021–2023, Southee remained a reliable performer despite challenging conditions. In December 2022, following Kane Williamson's resignation as Test captain after a six-year tenure, Southee was appointed as his successor, bringing his leadership experience from 22 T20Is and one ODI to the red-ball format. Notably, he secured a of 5/55 in the first Test against in in 2023, helping chase down 285 for a thrilling two-wicket victory. He also contributed to the 2021 World Test Championship final against at the Rose Bowl in , taking 2/50 and 2/43 to help restrict India and secure 's maiden title. In the 2023 ODI World Cup, Southee took nine wickets in nine matches at an average of 57.11, providing crucial breakthroughs despite 's semi-final finish. Southee announced his retirement from on November 14, 2024, opting to conclude his red-ball career at home following the series against . His final match was the third Test at Seddon Park, Hamilton, from December 14–17, 2024, where won by an innings and 423 runs; Southee finished with 2/93 in the match and ended his Test career with 391 wickets in 107 matches, second only to Richard Hadlee's 431 for . He retired from all immediately after, having amassed 776 wickets across formats—the most by any New Zealander. As a lower-order hitter, Southee hit 98 sixes in Tests, ranking among the format's most explosive tail-enders. Post-retirement, he transitioned into coaching, joining 's men's team as a fast-bowling consultant in May 2025 for their home summer, leveraging his expertise to mentor emerging pacers.

Playing style and legacy

Bowling and batting techniques

Tim Southee is renowned as a right-arm fast-medium swing , capable of generating speeds up to 145 km/h while primarily exploiting inswing to trouble right-handed batsmen through precise seam positioning and wrist action. His bowling action features a high arm release and side-on alignment, allowing effective movement off the pitch, particularly in seam-friendly conditions. In his early international phase from 2008 to 2010, Southee relied heavily on raw pace and conventional swing to unsettle openers, often clocking deliveries in the mid-140s km/h range to extract bounce from his 1.88-meter frame. Post-2015, he evolved by incorporating reverse swing for worn balls in longer formats and cutters—such as legcutters and offcutters—to induce sharper deviations, enhancing his effectiveness in subcontinental conditions. Additionally, in limited-overs , he introduced the knuckle ball variation, gripping the ball with fingertips to reduce skid and add unpredictability, particularly in T20 scenarios. Southee's technical maturation from onward shifted focus toward control and consistency, reducing erratic wide deliveries and prioritizing fuller lengths to maximize swing potential, which lowered his economy rate across formats. This adaptation was crucial in managing career-long back issues, first aggravated in , prompting workload adjustments like shorter spells and core strengthening exercises to sustain his pace without compromising accuracy. In white-ball , his expertise in death overs stands out, where he employs variations and slower balls at a of under 140 km/h to restrict scoring, often conceding fewer than 8 runs per over in the final 5 overs during high-pressure chases. As a tail-end batsman batting at positions 8 to 10, Southee adopts an aggressive, counter-attacking style, favoring powerful pulls, drives, and ramps to accelerate the scoring rate, amassing 2,245 Test runs at an average of 15.48 with 7 half-centuries and a record 98 sixes for a player. His batting evolution emphasized fearless shot-making under pressure, contributing quick runs in partnerships, though without reaching a Test century, his six-hitting prowess—clearing the ropes at a rate exceeding 4% of deliveries faced—highlights his utility as a lower-order enforcer.

International records and five-wicket hauls

Tim Southee concluded his international career with impressive bowling tallies across all formats, amassing 391 wickets in 107 Tests at an average of 30.26, placing him second on New Zealand's all-time Test wicket-takers list behind Richard Hadlee's 431. In One Day Internationals, he captured 221 wickets in 161 matches at an average of 33.70, while in Twenty20 Internationals, he holds the New Zealand record with 164 wickets in 126 matches at an average of 22.38. His overall international wicket haul stands at 776, underscoring his longevity and effectiveness as New Zealand's premier fast bowler over nearly two decades. Among his notable records, Southee reached 300 Test wickets faster than any other New Zealander, achieving the milestone in his 76th Test during the 2020 series against Pakistan. He also became the first—and remains the only—player to claim over 300 Test wickets, 200 ODI wickets, and 100 T20I wickets, a unique triple benchmark highlighting his versatility across formats. In T20Is, his 164 wickets cement his status as New Zealand's leading wicket-taker in the format. As a lower-order batsman, Southee finished with 98 Test sixes, the second-most for a New Zealander behind Brendon McCullum's 107 and joint-fourth overall in Test history alongside Chris Gayle. Key milestones include his 350th Test wicket in 2023 and falling just short of 400 with 391 at retirement in December 2024 after the England series; he also contributed all-round performances in two Tests where he scored a half-century alongside a five-wicket haul. Southee's five-wicket hauls exemplify his match-winning potential, particularly in Tests where he secured 15 such spells—the third-most for behind Hadlee (36) and (20)—often dismantling batting line-ups with swing and seam movement. In ODIs, he took three five-wicket hauls, with his standout performance being 7/33 against in the 2015 , the only seven-wicket haul in men's ODI history. He achieved two five-wicket hauls in T20Is, leading in that category.
FormatFive-Wicket HaulsBest Figures (Example)OpponentDate
Tests157/6431 August 2012
Tests157/6416 May 2013
Tests155/5522 March 2008 (debut)
ODIs37/3320 February 2015
ODIs36/6520 February 2019
T20Is25/1812 December 2010
T20Is25/25UAE17 August 2023
These hauls contributed significantly to New Zealand's successes, including series wins in challenging conditions, with Southee's debut 5/55 against in 2008 marking the start of his record-breaking journey.

Achievements, honors, and impact on New Zealand cricket

Tim Southee has garnered numerous accolades for his contributions to , both domestically and internationally. In 2022, he received the prestigious Sir Medal, New Zealand's highest individual honor for cricketers, recognizing his exceptional performances across formats that year, including leading the ' pace attack. He was also named Almanack Player of the Year in 2008, shortly after his international debut, and again in 2022 for his sustained excellence. Internationally, Southee earned the ICC Performance of the Year award in 2011 for his remarkable 5 for 18 against , which included a and helped secure a five-wicket victory. In 2018, he was selected for the ICC Team of the Year, honoring his pivotal role in New Zealand's strong showing in the format. Additionally, in the 2025 King's Birthday Honours, Southee was appointed an Officer of the (ONZM) for his services to , acknowledging his leadership and longevity in the sport. Beyond personal honors, Southee's impact on has been profound, particularly in revitalizing the pace bowling unit after Shane Bond's retirement in 2010. As the spearhead of the seam attack for over a , he provided consistency and expertise that enabled to compete at the highest levels, forming formidable partnerships with bowlers like and . His contributions were instrumental in the Black Caps reaching the final of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he featured in the decisive match against , embodying the team's resilience during a dramatic conclusion. Southee's 17-year international career, spanning from his debut to his Test retirement in late 2024, bridged generational shifts in , helping transition from a developing side to consistent contenders in all formats, including winning the 2021 ICC World Test Championship. He actively mentored emerging pacers during his playing days, sharing insights on swing and seam movement to nurture talents like those in the post-Boult era. Post-retirement, Southee has extended his influence as a specialist skills consultant for England's men's teams starting in 2025, applying his expertise to develop fast bowlers across formats on a short-term basis with the . In November 2025, Southee was appointed bowling coach for the for the 2026 season.

References

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  47. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl/top-stories/ipl-auction-2025-day-2-full-list-of-sold-and-unsold-players-of-all-teams/articleshow/115654073.cms
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  60. https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/southee-to-captain-new-zealand-in-sri-lanka-t20is/article64892156.ece
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  63. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/cricket/black-caps/130779612/tim-southees-rise-to-black-caps-test-captaincy-built-on-years-of-steady-growth
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  67. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/t20wc-2021-final-how-tim-southee-transformed-his-t20-game-keep-adapting-keep-learning-keep-enjoying-1289063
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  89. https://thenewsmill.com/2025/11/nz-legend-tim-southee-appointed-kkrs-bowling-coach-ahead-of-2026-season/
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