Tim Southee Steps Down as New Zealand Test Captain: A New Era for New Zealand cricket team
Oct 2
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In a significant shift for New Zealand cricket, Tim Southee has officially stepped down as the Test captain, with Tom Latham set to take the reins full-time. The announcement, made by New Zealand Cricket on October 2, comes on the heels of a disappointing 2-0 loss in the Test series against Sri Lanka. Latham's first challenge as captain will be an exciting Test series against India.
Southee, who has been a mainstay in New Zealand’s bowling lineup since his debut in 2008, has played 102 Tests and claimed an impressive 382 wickets. He took over the captaincy from Kane Williamson in December 2022 and led the team through 14 Test matches, achieving six wins, six losses, and two draws.
Reflecting on his decision to step down, Southee emphasized the importance of putting the team first. "Captaining the BLACKCAPS in a format that's so special to me has been an absolute honour and a privilege," he shared. "I've always tried to put the team first throughout my career, and I believe this decision is the best for the team."
He added, "I believe the way I can best serve the team moving forward is focusing on my performances on the field and getting back to my best, to continue taking wickets and helping New Zealand win Test matches. I will, as I've always done, continue to support my teammates, especially the exciting young bowlers making their way on the international stage. I wish Tom all the best in the role, and he knows I'll be there to support him on his journey, as he has done for me over the years."
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead also praised Southee’s leadership, saying, "Tim's a fantastic player and a very good leader who is held in high regard by the players and support staff. He's been a great servant of New Zealand Cricket over nearly 17 years playing on the international stage, and I'd like to acknowledge his humility in stepping down from the role as Test captain."
Stead continued, "It's not easy giving up something you love, but Tim is a true team man, and he's made the decision with the team's best interests at heart. He's one of our greatest ever players, and we still very much see him playing a part in our Test side moving forward."
As for the team, New Zealand currently sits sixth in the World Test Championship table. They will face off against the top-ranked India in a three-Test series, with matches scheduled in Bengaluru (October 16-20), Pune (October 24-28), and Mumbai (November 1-5). It’s a new chapter for New Zealand cricket, and fans will be eager to see how Tom Latham leads the team into this fresh era.
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