In an emotional and heartfelt gesture, England’s cricket team, led by Ben Stokes, honoured New Zealand’s fast-bowling legend Tim Southee with a guard of honour as he walked out to bat for the last time in Test cricket. The touching moment occurred at Seddon Park on the opening day of the third Test, marking the end of Southee’s illustrious career that spanned an impressive 107 Test matches.
The occasion became even more memorable as Southee, accompanied by his New Zealand teammates and holding his daughter’s hand, walked onto the field. The England players lined up to show their deep admiration and respect for the Kiwi pacer’s contribution to the game. The crowd joined in with a rousing applause, acknowledging the significance of Southee’s final appearance in the longest format.
True to his bold and fearless style, Southee made his farewell innings special with an explosive 23 off just 10 deliveries. His knock featured one boundary and three towering sixes, bringing his career total of Test sixes to 98. This feat saw him equal the legendary Chris Gayle’s tally and place himself among an elite group of players, including Adam Gilchrist, Brendon McCullum, and Ben Stokes, who have struck more sixes in Test cricket.
Southee had announced his retirement from Test cricket in September and will conclude his career during the ongoing 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle. His departure leaves behind a remarkable legacy, defined by his match-winning performances, leadership, and undeniable impact in Test cricket. The guard of honour and his final fiery innings served as a fitting farewell to one of New Zealand’s greatest cricketing stalwarts.
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