Southee revealed that he had considered retiring from the format during the recent tour of India, where he rejected coach Gary Stead’s idea and decided that his final three Tests would be a “marquee” series against England at home. Especially after a series is won. India helped New Zealand qualify for the WTC final, and Southee could qualify if he makes it to the final.
“Look at what’s ahead. Last year it was the World Cup and we had the T20 World Cup earlier this year,” Southee told reporters about how he made his decision. “We’ve all had an exciting chunk of Test cricket over the last 12 months and we’re looking forward to that exciting part coming to an end and that’s a big opposition series against a big opposition (England). I started playing against a lot of years ago and that’s what I’m looking forward to. It feels right.
“I think just playing for New Zealand was a dream come true, so to do that at such a young age was pretty special and to sit here and (realize) it was gone, it was gone very quickly and I think I’m sitting here and there. It was a really fun time and there’s still some way to go, but I certainly didn’t think we’d be sitting here 17 years later when I was there in Napier. It was truly a privilege and honor to be able to fulfill my dream and represent my country.
Looking back on the past 12 months, Southee said: “Considering what happened in India, it obviously gives us a chance (to qualify for the WTC final), but we have three games left in front of us against some pretty good opponents. So, like every game, we deal with Christchurch first. And we’ll try to give ourselves the best opportunity to play there, but ideally it would be nice to have another opportunity in the Test Championship final, although it’s going to take a lot of hard work at times, but we’ve had a special few weeks in India. We’re definitely giving ourselves the opportunity to do that.”
Southee’s final three Tests will be played in his current home of Christchurch, Wellington and Hamilton, which will increase the emotional quotient of his farewell game by playing in front of close friends and family.
“It’s my last chance at three grounds that have been very good to me and that I really enjoy playing. It’s a difficult decision but I think it’s the right one. (We’ve) also got some promising young bowlers on board. I’ve really enjoyed working with them. I hope I’ve taught them a thing or two in the process, and they’ve taught me a thing or two as well, so it’s been fun and now it’s time for them to keep this team going.
Test cricket… There is no such thing. I think one of the feelings I will definitely miss is the energy of the day.”
Southee on what he will miss most about Test cricket.
“Now that Hamilton is home, it’s nice to be able to walk from there and drive home. I probably won’t be able to drive home, but it’s nice to be able to finish in front of my friends and family,” Southee said. Southee said. “This is where I’ve played a lot of cricket, and where I’ve played a lot of cricket in the Northern District and New Zealand, so it’s a special place, just like the other two, the Basin, and it’s obviously an amazing Test venue for Hagley. As I said, it’s a great Test venue for the opposition.” “I think it’s right against a great opponent who is also a coach and, as I said, a very close friend.”
Southee made his Test debut for Napier against England under the captaincy of Daniel Vettori in March 2008, with senior players Stephen Fleming and McCullum also alongside him. He hit five for five in the first innings and hit an unbeaten 77 for 40 before New Zealand ended the Test losing by 121 runs.
“It was just a dream start,” he said of his Test debut. “I think you can just walk into the changing room and see the likes of Vettori, Fleming and McCollum as 19-year-olds. It was just a special week. Obviously the result wasn’t what we wanted, but I guess. ” To be able to perform at that level and change with the heroes and get wickets and runs in the first game was very special.
Southee also reflected on New Zealand’s rise across formats over the past decade or so. New Zealand has reached two ODI World Cup finals in the last three editions and one T20 World Cup final in 2021, before beating India to lift their first World Test Championship. He said the seeds for the 2021 finals were sown under McCullum around 2012.
“I think 2012 was when Brandon came in and there was a real change in how we played and our style of play and it felt right,” he said. “We’ve had a great group of players who have been consistent for almost 10 years – the Boults, the Wagners, the Watlings, the Williamsons, the Taylors, the Latham. There are a lot of groups of players who have been able to play together consistently. As you can see, there is not all the good in the world between them. There’s a lot of consistency in that, so I think playing with people you know inside and out for almost 10 years has really helped us achieve the success that we’ve had, because we’ve got people coming into a good environment, very skilled players. I think we’ve seen what they can do and I hope that continues for years to come.
When asked what he will miss most about the format, Southee said: “I think about everything. Test cricket… there’s nothing like it. I think one of the feelings I’ll definitely miss is the energy of the first day. Anyone who has played Test cricket Everyone will understand the energy around the dressing room, the uncertainty about everything and the fact that I will definitely miss that feeling of going out on the field and representing my country, whether we win, lose or draw. There’s a lot of it, you’ll miss it just by looking around, but it’s like it all has to come to you at some stage and I’ve been really lucky to have played 104 of them so far. I wish I played a few more.
Ahead of the final Test series, which begins on November 28, Southee will feature for Northern Districts in the Plunket Shield match against Auckland at his home ground in Hamilton from November 19 to 22.
Vishal Dikshit is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo.
