Tim Southee steps aside from New Zealand's Test captaincy

ByDebayan Sinha, SportsCafe Editor

Today at 11:23 AM

Kiwi veteran Tim Southee has stepped down as New Zealand’s Test captain following a 2-0 series defeat against Sri Lanka. The 35-year-old decided to prioritise his bowling, which has recently declined and believes this choice is in the best interest of the Black Caps moving forward.

‌With Southee stepping down as captain, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has appointed Tom Latham as the new Test skipper for the Black Caps. Latham, who has prior experience leading New Zealand in the red-ball format, faces a formidable first challenge in India. Having captained the Kiwis in nine Tests, Latham has secured four wins and endured five losses.

Southee’s resignation follows a disappointing 2-0 series defeat against Sri Lanka in Galle, where he managed only two wickets.

Meanwhile, Southee will remain part of the Test squad despite stepping down as captain, expressing confidence that his "decision is the best for the team." The seasoned pacer shared his thoughts with NZC, stating, “Captaining the BLACKCAPS in a format that’s so special to me, has been an absolute honour and a privilege. I’ve always tried to put the team first throughout my career and I believe this decision is the best for the team.” Highlighting that he will be part of the Test squad, 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.”

Since his debut in 2008, Southee has played 102 Tests, amassing 382 wickets. After succeeding Kane Williamson as captain in December 2022, he led the team in 14 matches, achieving 6 wins, 6 losses, and 2 draws.

Head coach Gary Stead praised Southee as a "great servant of New Zealand Cricket" and affirmed that the veteran pacer remains an integral part of the team's plans in the red-ball format.

“Tim’s a fantastic player and a very good leader who is held in high regard by the players and support staff. He’s one of our greatest ever players and we still very much see him playing a part in our Test side moving forward.” he said,

Tom Latham will now take charge of the Kiwi Test side, leading them on a tour of India for a three-match series. The first Test is set to begin on October 16 in Bengaluru.

Tim Southee steps aside from New Zealand's Test captaincy

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