Tim Southee, one of New Zealand’s premier fast bowlers, has played 90+ Tests, taking over 350 wickets at an impressive average. Known for his swing and pace, Southee has delivered crucial performances in major tournaments, including the ICC World Test Championship. His career is highlighted by multiple five-wicket hauls and consistent match-winning contributions for New Zealand.
Tim Southee announced his retirement from test cricket in 2024.
Southee made his Test debut against England in Napier in 2008, quickly establishing himself as one of the world’s premier fast bowlers. His iconic partnership with Trent Boult is widely regarded as one of the most formidable bowling duos in cricket history.
His career-best bowling figures of 7/64 came against India in Bangalore in 2012. That same year, Southee delivered a match-winning performance in the Caribbean, claiming 11 wickets at an average of 21.09 to help New Zealand secure their first away series win against the West Indies.
Southee’s contributions weren’t limited to his bowling. Known for his big-hitting prowess, he reached the milestone of 50 Test sixes in just his 36th match. By the end of his career, he had smashed 98 sixes in Tests, tying for the fourth-most in the format’s history.
A pivotal figure in New Zealand’s success, Southee played a key role in their victorious ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2019-21 campaign.
In 2022, he succeeded Kane Williamson as New Zealand’s Test captain, further cementing his legacy as a leader.
Southee’s final Test was against England in Hamilton, where he showcased his all-round brilliance. He scored a quickfire 23 in the first innings and took two wickets in the second, contributing to New Zealand’s commanding 423-run victory. A true legend of the game, Tim Southee leaves behind an indelible legacy in Test cricket.
| Category | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Years Active | 2008–2024 |
| Matches Played | 106 |
| Innings Bowled | 197 |
| Wickets Taken | 385 |
| Best Bowling Figures (Innings) | 7/64 |
| Best Bowling Figures (Match) | 10/108 |
| Five-Wicket Hauls | 15 |
| Ten-Wicket Hauls | 1 |
| Bowling Average | 28.64 |
| Economy Rate | 2.95 |
| Strike Rate | 58.2 |
| Innings Batted | 166 |
| Runs Scored | 1,803 |
| Batting Average | 17.38 |
| Half-Centuries | 5 |
| Sixes Hit | 98 |
| Catches | 73 |
Tim Southee bowling record in test cricket
Tim Southee finished with a total of 391 test wickets in 107 games at an average of 30.26. He claimed 15 five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket match haul. His impressive tally makes him the second most successful New Zealand test bowler after Sir Richard Hadlee (431).
| Matches | Innings | Wickets | Best Bowling (Innings) | Best Bowling (Match) | 5-Wicket Hauls | 10-Wicket Hauls | Bowling Average | Economy Rate | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 113 | 212 | 379 | 7/64 | 10/108 | 15 | 1 | 28.94 | 3.00 | 57.7 |
Tim Southee batting records in test cricket
Tim Southee scored 2245 runs in test cricket at an average of 15.5 and played several vital cameos for New Zealand. Southee hit 98 sixes and his career-best score of 77* came against England in 2008.
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 113 |
| Innings Batted | 160 |
| Runs Scored | 1,983 |
| Highest Score | 77* |
| Batting Average | 16.48 |
| Strike Rate | 81.05 |
| 50s Scored | 5 |
| 6s Hit | 98 |
| Joint Ranking for Sixes | 4th Most in Tests |
| Balls Faced | 2,446 |