Tim Southee Honoured with Guard of Honour in Farewell Test, England’s Gesture Wins Hearts

Tim Southee Honoured with Guard of Honour in Farewell Test: Tim Southee, the New Zealand pacer, is set to call time on his Test cricket career after the current match against England at Hamilton. And, as he walked out to bat in New Zealand's first innings on the opening day of the match, he was given a guard of honor by the England team.

At 36 years, Tim had announced his Test retirement just before the commencement of the series against England. He vocalized his willingness to make himself available for selections if New Zealand qualifies for the World Test Championship final. Nevertheless, there are hardly any chances for the Black Caps to feature in the WTC 2025 final.

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Tim Southee received a Guard of Honour from England players

Southee came to bat when England captain Ben Stokes decided to dismiss Matt Henry. The England players were prepared with the guard of honor, ready for the retiring batter.

He shook hands with the Stokes and acknowledged the England players act before making his entry into the crease.

Southee scored a cameo 23 off 10 balls in which he hit 3 sixes and a four. The right-handed batter helped the team go past the 300-run mark in the first innings. At the end of Day 1, New Zealand stood on 315 for the loss of nine wickets. Mitchell Santner remains unbeaten on the crease with 50 off 54 balls.

A moment in time, you hope it won't ever come: Tim Southee

Speaking about his retirement decision, Southee considered it the right time after a lovely journey through cricket. He accepted the depth of New Zealand's team and hoped for a great last Test performance.

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"A moment in time you hope it never comes. I think it is the right time. The depth there is outstanding. Has been a great ride. Hopefully one great last week. The series hasn't gone to plan. Hopefully, we can put it in a good performance this week. Have been living here. Special place," Southee said.

"You want to win every game you play. Has been a big Test year for us. Test cricket has been special for me. To play more than 100 Tests is his special. The team mates and the friendships you form. I will take back many good memories. I have always enjoyed watching the game. Would love watching this group as a fan," he added.

With 389 wickets, Southee will retire as New Zealand's second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. He is only behind Sir Richard Hadlee's 431. He is the only bowler to have taken more than 300 wickets in Tests, 200 in One-Day Internationals (221), and 100 in T20 Internationals (164).

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