Southee’s farewell tour was over, although the encore continued long after he led New Zealand off the field for the final time. After 776 international wickets in 394 matches (the most in New Zealand) and 16 years of work since the first World Test Championship, the sun-bleached Test cap has finally risen at all four corners. He admits he doesn’t know where it will go now that it’s over, but the work, a childhood dream brought to life, holds a special place in the Southee household.
The 36-year-old was still on the field at 6pm on Tuesday and this match – his 107th Test – was already in the books. His two wickets in the second innings took him to six in the series, although at an average of 54.33.
His career score exceeded 30 points. They scored 98 in the Test, but failed to reach 100 on Monday when Zak Crawley tried to find No.99 for long. But numbers aren’t everything.
“1006, 400 Test wickets, 100 catches (he managed 86) – it would all have been good,” Southee said. “But I’m just very thankful for what I was able to do.
“The time I was in the cap was very special. As a kid I just wanted to represent New Zealand and grow. To sit here and get almost 800 wickets is quite satisfying.”
That clarity only comes with his calmness about the time of the call when the official announcement was made a month ago. The hardest part, he said, was telling those closest to him. For Southee, it has always been about people.
At 5:35 p.m., England coach Brandon McCollum, a former teammate of New Zealand’s 170 team and captain of 78 of them, presented a bottle of red wine signed by the England team to a close colleague.
“We talked a lot about trying to leave the cap in a better place than we found it,” McCullum said. “I know the team will leave Seddon Park satisfied and the country will be very grateful for his contribution over a long period of time.”
One of the men who entrusted the hat to Southee a few hours earlier led the finale of this era’s tour.
Richard Hadlee, the only New Zealander ahead of Southee on the Test wicket-taking front with 431, was part of the selection panel that gave the promising 19-year-old a chance in 2008. His debut against England in Napier was the kind of job that even the great could not have imagined, despite seeing great potential. “Seventeen years later, Tim has certainly exceeded expectations,” Hadlee said.
“There is more to Tim than numbers and records. There is a very human element that is not often measured. He is highly respected by cricketers around the world. He is a likeable character, a team man and a team player.”
Southee was moved by the “extraordinary” tribute from someone he (and countless others) consider “the greatest Black Cap of all time”.
“He’s been there from the beginning. He was the selector for me at 19, so it was very nice to hear him here and say such kind words. It’s great to hear that it’s coming from such a great game.”
The characteristic of this final farewell was the desire to elevate the team to a better place and encourage younger players to become true legends. The future that has benefited from Southee’s guiding hand is already here.
Will O’Rourke’s devastating spell across two innings of this third Test gave further nod to the 23-year-old’s outstanding talent. In the first two Tests, Nathan Smith emerged as a full-hearted cricketer who was not afraid of the grind. Along with Ben Sears and Jacob Duffy, both made Southee’s decision a little easier. The red ball will remain in competent hands.
“I think Nathan Smith has shown what he can do. Will O’Rourke is an unbelievable talent and I think he’s only getting better with this team. He’s only been with us for 12 months and I’m excited for him going forward. Oh my god, I’m looking forward to it.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time working with these young players, these young bowlers. I hope they’ve gained something. I enjoy giving back.”
From the sounds of it, this might be a complete international retirement. Initial announcements indicated an open white ball would be available, but Southee deferred to the next generation when asked about his immediate future. Franchise opportunities still remain.
“Now it is time for these young players. I think they have achieved a lot over the last few years and it is great to see them continue to develop this team and enjoy what they have.”
Perhaps it should be so. Retirement from cricket is rarely simple and can be a drag when split between formats. Last year was his toughest year statistically (17 wickets at 59.11), but this is a neat finish. At home, against the team where this journey began. Above all, Southee is satisfied.
“This game has given me so much, it has given me everything. Playing for this team has been my life for over half my life and it has been my life dream to do so since I can remember.
“It’s exciting. It’s sad. It’s an array of emotions you go through. But life goes on. I’m so lucky to have done what I did and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”
Vithushan Ehantharajah is the Editor-in-Chief of ESPNcricinfo.
