New Delhi: New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee on Saturday led the Black Caps while walking on the field for the third Test match against England at the Seddon Park in Hamilton. In what was an emotional moment, the player was seen carrying his daughter along with him to assemble for the national anthem. New Zealand skipper Tom Latham was right behind the veteran seamer.
Southee announced his decision to retire from Test cricket at the end of the three-match Test series against England. The time has come for the pace bowler to enjoy his last game with the red cherry against the same team, whom he faced on his Test debut at the Chester-le Street in 2008.
Since then, Southee has claimed 389 Test wickets from 106 matches at an average of 30.21 with an impressive 15 Test-wicket hauls in his career. He will finish as the second highest Test wicket-taker for the Black Caps behind Sir Richard Hadlee’s tally of 431. He is the all-time leading wicket-taker of New Zealand across formats of international cricket (774 dismissals) and has bowled the most deliveries from his country (34,204).
New Zealand top order wields before middle order stutter
England won the toss and asked the hosts to bat first in Southee’s last Test match. New Zealand’s new opening combination of Tom Latham (63) and Will Young (42) started off well with 105 runs in the opening partnership. Kane Williamson added 44 runs before he was cleaned up by Matthew Potts. The likes of Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, and Glenn Phillips failed to make vital contributions with the Kiwis losing six wickets inside 70 overs.
England have an unassailable 2-0 lead in this series with commanding wins in Christchurch and Wellington. The Latham-led side would want to avoid a whitewash to give a suitable send off to their senior bowler.
Tim Southee is playing in his final Test match against England at Seddon Park. His emotional walkout, accompanied by his daughter, was the start to mark the end of his storied Test career. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
