Tim Southee Set to Retire From Tests After Home Series Against England, White-Ball Retirement Not Far Away

New Zealand's former skipper and star pacer Tim Southee is set to retire from Test cricket following the conclusion of the three-match home series against England, scheduled to start on November 28.

Southee, who holds the record for taking most wickets for the Black Caps in international cricket, has announced the third Test against England in Hamilton will be his last appearance in the longest format for New Zealand.

The 35-year-old has, however, made himself available for selection if the Black Caps make the World Test Championship (WTC) final next year. New Zealand is currently ranked fourth in the WTC standings, and could finish in top two depending on the results in the next two months.

Southee will also decide on a potential white-ball swansong against Sri Lanka after Christmas, New Zealand Cricket said on Friday (November 15). This would mean Southee could retire from all forms of international cricket before the Champions Trophy.

The right-arm pacer, who has claimed 770 wickets across formats, will be 36 when the England series comes to a close in Hamilton at his home ground - Seddon Park. Southee said he was at peace with retiring.

"Representing New Zealand was all I ever dreamed of growing up," Southee said in a release issued by Black Caps. "To play for the BLACKCAPS for 18 years has been the greatest honour and privilege, but the time feels right to now step away from the game that has given so much to me."

"Test cricket holds a special place in my heart, so to be able to play such a big series against the same opponent my Test career began against all those years ago, and on three grounds that are incredibly special to me, seems the perfect way to end my time in the black cap."

"I'll always be so grateful to my family, friends, coaches, our fans, and everyone involved in the game who has supported me and my career over the years. It's been an amazing ride, and I wouldn't change a thing," he added.

Southee is set to come a full circle, having made his Test debut on March 22, 2008, against England in Napier and picked up a five-wicket haul in the first inning of his maiden Test. He is now set to make his final Test appearance against the same opposition.

Southee has so far claimed 385 wickets in 104 Tests. Despite his struggles in recent red ball outings, the 35-year-old would love to reach the 400 wicketks milestone at the end of the England series.