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Wellington, 2 October (Hindustan Reporter). Tim Southee has resigned as New Zealand's Test captain, with Tom Latham now taking over the role of full-time captain. New Zealand Cricket made the above announcement on Wednesday.
This announcement has been made just days after New Zealand lost the Test series in Sri Lanka 2-0. Lotham's first assignment as full-time captain will be the upcoming Test series against India.
New Zealand's leading fast bowler Southee has played 102 Tests for the team since making his debut in 2008, in which he has taken 382 wickets. He took over as captain from Kane Williamson in December 2022 and led the team in 14 Test matches, winning six, losing six and drawing two.
Regarding his decision to step down, Southee said that it was taken in the best interest of the team.
“It is a great honor and privilege for me to captain the Blackcaps in such a special format,” he said. I have always tried to put the team first throughout my career and I believe this decision is what is best for the team.”
Southee said, “I believe the way I can serve the team is to focus on my performance on the field and do my best, take wickets and help New Zealand win Test matches. As always, I will continue to support my teammates, especially the exciting young bowlers making their mark at the international level. I wish Tom all the best in this role and know that I will always be there to support him on his journey, just as he has done for me over the years.”
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said, “Tim is a fantastic player and a great leader, who is highly respected by the players and support staff. He has been a great servant to New Zealand cricket for almost 17 years playing at international level, and I would like to acknowledge his humility in stepping down from the role of Test captain. It's not easy to give up something you love, but Tim is a true team-man and he has taken this decision with the best interests of the team in mind. He is one of our greatest players and we still want to see him play an important role in our Test team going forward.”
New Zealand, who are the first winners of the World Test Championship, are currently placed sixth in the WTC table. They will play three Tests against table-toppers India, with matches to be held in Bengaluru (16-20 October), Pune (24-28 October) and Mumbai (1-5 November).