Tim Southee said he would never forget his "incredible journey" after the New Zealand great confirmed yesterday he had retired fully from international cricket.
Southee, 36, said he would "fade out" a happy man after taking two wickets in his 107th and final Test, a 423-run drubbing of England in Hamilton.
The swing bowler revealed he would also play no more limited-overs matches for his country, ending a 17-year international career.
Southee's 391 wickets is second only to Richard Hadlee in New Zealand Test cricket history. But Southee stands alone for total New Zealand international wickets, with 776 since his debut in 2008.
He is the only player globally to take more than 300 wickets in Tests, 200 in one-day internationals (221) and 100 in Twenty20 internationals (164), with the T20 figure the most by any player.
Southee said he would pursue playing opportunities in professional T20 leagues.
"It's a nice way to fade out after what's been an incredible journey."
Southee said a "golden period" was in which he shared the new ball with Trent Boult, supported by Neil Wagner. The three seamers were a lethal force for a decade, culminating in winning the World Test Championship final against India at Lord's in 2021.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Tim Southee gestures to the crowd as he leaves the field following his final Test for New Zealand, a 423-run victory over England at Seddon Park in Hamilton. AFP
