Image: Tim Southee ends his career narrowly missing becoming a member of the elite 100-sixes club / © Sky Sports
New Zealand’s veteran pacer Tim Southee missed out on achieving a significant milestone in his illustrious Test career during the third Test against England at Seddon Park, Hamilton. Needing just two sixes to reach 100 maximums in Test cricket, Southee fell short, managing only three sixes in the first innings before being dismissed for 2(5) in the second. His attempt to clear the ropes against Jacob Bethell ended in disappointment as he was caught at long-on.
Despite the near-miss, Southee retires as the fourth-highest six-hitter in Test history, with 98 sixes in 107 matches. He also finishes as New Zealand’s second-highest six-hitter, trailing only Brendon McCullum, who holds the national record with 107 sixes. Reflecting on his final match, Southee expressed gratitude for his career, describing every wicket taken for New Zealand as an unforgettable moment.
On the most emotional day of his career, Southee said:
It was a strange feeling. Never felt so much pressure coming into bat. But no, it was good fun. Been a great couple of days for the lads. He (McCullum) said something – didn’t quite hear him. But he’s obviously been there for a long part of it and has been a great mate. Nice that he’s here for this final time as well… Such an honor to do what I’ve been able to do. Next couple of days will hopefully be a good couple of days, but I’m sure an emotional couple of days as well. Sorry to disappoint.
Although he joked about disappointing fans by missing the sixes milestone, Southee’s career will be remembered for his dual contributions as a lethal bowler and a lower-order power-hitter who changed the dynamics of many games for New Zealand.