Tim Southee steps down as New Zealand Check captain forward of India tour, Latham to take over

New Zealand’s Tim Southee. File
| Photograph Credit score: Reuters

Tim Southee has stepped down from New Zealand captaincy forward of the three-Check collection towards India and Tom Latham has been appointed within the veteran pacer’s place.

Southee captained New Zealand in 14 Exams through which the Kiwis received six, misplaced six and drew two.

“I’ve all the time tried to place the crew first all through my profession and I consider this resolution is the most effective for the crew,” mentioned Southee in a New Zealand Cricket assertion.

“I consider the best way I can greatest serve the crew shifting ahead is specializing in my performances on the sphere and getting again to my greatest, to proceed taking wickets and serving to New Zealand win Check matches.”

The 35-year-old right-arm pacer has to date performed 102 Exams alongside 161 ODIs and 126 T20Is. With 382 wickets, he’s the second-highest wicket-taker for the Kiwis after legendary Richard Hadlee (431).

“I’ll, as I’ve all the time achieved, proceed to help my teammates, particularly the thrilling younger bowlers making their method on the worldwide stage.

“I want Tom all the most effective within the position and he is aware of I’ll be there to help him on his journey, as he has achieved for me over time,” mentioned Southee.

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead mentioned Southee took the choice in the most effective pursuits of the crew.

“Tim’s a improbable participant and an excellent chief who’s held in excessive regard by the gamers and help employees.” “He’s been an awesome servant of New Zealand Cricket over practically 17 years enjoying on the worldwide stage, and I’d prefer to acknowledge his humility in stepping down from the position as Check captain.

“It’s not straightforward giving up one thing you like, however Tim is a real crew man and he’s made the choice with the crew’s greatest pursuits at coronary heart. He’s one among our best ever gamers and we nonetheless very a lot see him enjoying a component in our Check facet shifting ahead.”

Southee took over as New Zealand captain after Kane Williamson stepped down from the position in December 2022.

At present on tour of the subcontinent, New Zealand have performed a two-Check collection in Sri Lanka whereas their one-off Check towards Afghanistan in Noida was washed out.

New Zealand will tackle India in a three-Check collection with the primary match in Bengaluru from October 16-20, second in Pune from October 24-28 and third in Mumbai from November 1-5.