New Zealand seamer Tim Southee has announced that he will retire from Test cricket following the upcoming home series against England.
The 35-year-old is New Zealand's all-time leading wicket-taker in international cricket across formats, having taken 770 scalps during his 18 years playing for the Black Caps.
Southee's impressive all-round skillsets, durability, and consistency have seen him become the only player in the world to claim more than 300 Test wickets, 200 ODI wickets and 100 T20I wickets.
New Zealand's three-match Test series against starts on 28 November with the final match set to be at Southee's home ground at Seddon Park in Hamilton beginning on 14 December.
He said: "Representing New Zealand was all I ever dreamed of growing up. To play for the BLACKCAPS for 18 years has been the greatest honour and privilege, but the time feels right to now step away from the game that has given so much to me.
"Test cricket holds a special place in my heart, so to be able to play such a big series against the same opponent my Test career began against all those years ago, and on three grounds that are incredibly special to me, seems the perfect way to end my time in the black cap.
"I'll always be so grateful to my family, friends, coaches, our fans and everyone involved in the game who has supported me and my career over the years. It's been an amazing ride and I wouldn't change a thing."
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said Southee's record speaks for itself, but it was his impact on winning games for New Zealand that shouldn't be underestimated.
"He's an incredibly tough competitor who gets himself up for big occasions and is rarely injured," Stead said.
"Tim cares deeply about the team, its reputation and performances, and he will be missed within the BLACKCAPS environment.
"He now deserves some time with his family and I'm sure he will reflect very positively in years to come about his impact and achievements in the game."
