Tim Southee steps down form New Zealand Test captaincy ahead of India series, new captain announced

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Tim Southee stepped down from New Zealand Test captaincy after his team's 2-0 whitewash at the hands of Sri Lanka last week. Tom Latham will now lead New Zealand in the upcoming three-match Test series against India starting mid-October.

Southee led New Zealand 14 times in Test cricket, losing and winning six matches. He had taken over the captaincy from batting star Kane Williamson in December 2022.

The 35-year-old pacer, who has picked only 12 wickets in his last eight Test outings, said that he took the decision for the benefit of the team. Southee said that he would be aiming to focus on his performance, and help Latham captain New Zealand going forward.

"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," he said.

"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 team-mates, 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," he added.

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead praised the selflessness of Southee's decision and called him one of the greatest ever Kiwi players. He also asserted that Southee would continue to be a key member of the New Zealand Test squad.

"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," he said.

"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," he added.

Tim Southee, who has played 102 Test matches till date, is 18 wickets short of becoming only the second New Zealand bowler after Richard Hadlee to pick 400 wickets in the format.

Latham has led New Zealand nine times in the past between 2020 to 2022. New Zealand have won four and lost five matches under his captaincy.