'Life moves on' – Southee bids emotional farewell to Black Caps after England win

Tim Southee said New Zealand's crushing third-Test victory over England was a good way to bring the curtain down on 16 "special" years with the Black Caps.

Southee – who made his Test debut against England back in March 2008 – played his final red-ball match in the series finale at Seddon Park, with the tourists having already sealed a series triumph.

New Zealand wrapped up a consolation victory on Tuesday, winning by 423 runs after setting the tourists a daunting target of 658, which they never looked like reaching.

Southee ended another encouraging knock from England youngster Jacob Bethell for his 391st and final Test wicket, with only Richard Hadlee (431) having more for New Zealand.

His 234 home wickets are the most scalped on New Zealand soil, while his 47 Test victories are also the most ever managed by a Black Caps player and he finished with 98 sixes and 86 catches.

Speaking at the conclusion of play, an emotional Southee said: "It's a nice way to, I guess, fade off after what has been an incredible journey.

"Hundred sixes, 400 Test wickets, 100 catches... well that would have all been nice, but I'm just very grateful for what I've been able to do.

"The time I've had in the hat has been very special. As a kid, I just wanted to grow up and represent New Zealand. To sit here and have nearly 800 wickets is pretty satisfying.

"This game has given me so much, it's given me everything. It's been over half my life playing for this team and ever since I can remember, it has been a dream in my life to do that.

"It's exciting. It's sad. It's an array of emotions you go through. But life moves on. I've been very fortunate to have done what I've done and I've enjoyed every second of it."

“He’ll go down as one of New Zealand’s greats.” As his Test career draws to a close, hear from Ben Stokes and Joe Root on their battles with Tim Southee over the years, and his impact on cricket in New Zealand and around the world #NZvENG #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/OTOj1R2qs3

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 16, 2024

Southee was not required to bowl after lunch on his final day in red-ball cricket, and with Nathan Smith and Will O'Rourke impressing in the series, he feels he is leaving the New Zealand attack in a good place.

"I think Nathan Smith has shown what he is capable of. I think Will O'Rourke is an unbelievable talent and he's only getting better in his time in this team," Southee added. "He's only been around for 12 months and I look forward to watching him take on the world.

"I really enjoyed my time working with these younger guys, younger bowlers. Hopefully they've taken something out of it. I enjoy giving back.

"It's time now for these young guys. I think we've seen a number come through in the last couple of years, and I'm excited to sit back and watch them continue to take this team forward and enjoy what they've got to offer."

England head coach Brendon McCullum, a former team-mate of Southee's, also paid tribute to the seamer in a clip posted to social media.

A friendship forged under the Black Cap. Hear from former BLACKCAPS captain Brendon McCullum on Tim Southee’s achievements and their friendship built over a memorable career. #NZvENG #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/YZFRcy7SoC

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 17, 2024

"He's one of my really close friends, a guy that came in at such a young age and he just had that cheekiness," McCullum said.

"He works hard, hence why the success has come his way – his numbers are as good as anyone.

"He talks about trying to leave the Caps in a better place than he found them, and I know for a fact when he walks off, the country will be grateful for what he's done."