“Life goes on” says Tim Southee after Test retirement in beating England on his home turf here at Hamilton.
“Life goes on”. That is what Tim Southee said after pulling the curtain on an illustrious test career for New Zealand.
“It’s a nice way to, I guess, fade off after what has been an incredible journey.”
Just now, New Zealand defeated England by a commanding 423-run margin, matching their biggest victory ever. With England winning the series 2-1, it may have only been a consolation, but it gave one of their favourite sons the opportunity to go in splendour shortly after 2:00 pm, when the Hamilton sun was at its hottest.
Even if the encore went on long after he led New Zealand off the pitch for the last time, the Southee farewell tour is ended. The Test cap, sun-blanched after 16 years of work, was given a final rise to all four corners following that first World Test Championship and 776 international wickets (the most for New Zealand) in 394 matches.
He acknowledged that he has no idea where it will go now that he is finished. But it has gained a special position in the Southee home. Because it represents a boyhood ambition realised.
At 6 p.m. on Tuesday, the 36-year-old was still playing, and this match—his 107th Test—was already recorded in history. He took two wickets in the second innings, bringing his series total to six, although at a hefty average of 54.33.
The career figure ends up little above thirty. After failing to reach 100 on Monday when he discovered Zak Crawley at long on seeking No.99, the Test sixes an alluring 98. But the stats don’t tell the whole story.
“Hundred sixes, 400 Test wickets, 100 catches (he managed 86) – that would have all been nice,” said Southee. “But I’m just very grateful for what I’ve been able to do.
“The time I’ve had in the hat has been very special. As a kid, I just wanted to grow up and represent New Zealand. To sit here and have nearly 800 wickets is pretty satisfying.”
Retirements from cricket are rarely simple and might drag when divided into several formats. Even though he took 17 wickets at 59.11 last year, which was statistically his hardest year. This is a tidy finish. At home, against the squad that started this adventure. More than everything, Southee is happy.
“This game has given me so much, it’s given me everything. It’s been over half my life playing for this team and ever since I can remember it has been a dream in my life to do that.
“It’s exciting. It is sad. It’s an array of emotions you go through. But life goes on. I’ve been very fortunate to have done what I’ve done and I’ve enjoyed every second of it.”