New Delhi: Days after New Zealand’s shambolic 2-0 series whitewash against Sri Lanka, veteran pacer Tim Southee has stepped down as the captain of the Test team. Southee’s decision comes ahead of New Zealand’s upcoming three-match Test series against India which gets underway later this month. The fast bowler has taken over the reins from former captain Kane Williamson in 2022.
Announcing his decision to step down from captaincy, Southee said his decision was in the best interest of the team and that he wants to focus on serving New Zealand as a player. New Zealand headed into the recently concluded two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, looking to win their first away series in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
However, Southee & Co. were clean swept 2-0 by the hosts. Sri Lanka won the first Test by 63 runs before thrashing the Kiwis by an innings and 154 runs in the 2nd game to win the series. Southee led New Zealand in a total of 14 matches since taking over from Williamson in 2022 and ends his captaincy stint with 6 wins, 6 losses and 2 draws.
“Captaining the BlackCaps in a format that’s so special to me, has been an absolute honour and a privilege,” Southee said, in a statement on Wednesday.
“I have always tried to put the team first throughout my career and I believe this decision is the best for the team. I believe the way I can best serve the team moving forward is focusing on my performances on the field and getting back to my best, to continue taking wickets and helping New Zealand win Test matches,” he added.
Tom Latham reappointed captain
Southee will be replaced by opener Tom Latham as the captain of the New Zealand Test team ahead of the crucial series against India. Latham, who led New Zealand in 9 Test matches between 2020 to 2022 has been reappointed as the captain of the Kiwis in the longest format. It will not be an east task for Latham to start his captaincy tenure with what is expected to be a challenging tour of India for the Black Caps.
New Zealand were left exposed in sub-continent conditions against Sri Lanka as their batters struggled to deal with spin. They will be up against a strong Indian side which will be heading into the Test series on the back for a 2-0 demolition of Bangladesh in the recently concluded series at home. India will be hoping to continue their dominant record at home against New Zealand to continue their quest of reaching a third successive WTC final.
Tim Southee has stepped down as the captain of the New Zealand Test team ahead of their upcoming series against India. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
