"Best for the team": Tim Southee steps down from Blackcaps Test captaincy

Fresh from a disappointing 0-2 Test series defeat against Sri Lanka, NZ Cricket has confirmed Tim Southee will step down from his Test captaincy effective immediately, with Tom Latham taking on the responsibility full-time.

It's a decision that Southee says was made in the best interests of the team.

“Captaining the Blackcaps in a format that’s so special to me, has been an absolute honour and a privilege,” Southee said.

“I’ve always tried to put the team first throughout my career and I believe this decision is the best for the team.

“I believe the way I can best serve the team moving forward is focusing on my performances on the field and getting back to my best, to continue taking wickets and helping New Zealand win Test matches.

“I will, as I’ve always done, continue to support my teammates, especially the exciting young bowlers making their way on the international stage.

“I wish Tom all the best in the role and he knows I’ll be there to support him on his journey, as he has done for me over the years.”

Through 14 Test matches as skipper, Southee finishes with a 6-6-2 win-loss-draw record during a time when the 35-year-old has struggled to take wickets at a consistent rate.

In 2024, the pace bowler has eight wickets in six Tests while averaging 73.12 runs against, with one in each match of the recent Sri Lanka tour.

Southee's current form is a departure from what Blackcaps fans had come to expect from the Northern Districts product. Debuting in 2008, he has claimed 382 wickets across 102 Tests - second to Sir Richard Hadlee (431) for most Test wickets by a New Zealand bowler.

In contrast to Southee's performances, Matt Henry has enjoyed a strong year with the ball - taking 23 wickets in four Tests - but did not feature in the Blackcaps' lineup that remained unchanged across both matches.

Without the captain's arm band, Southee will now have to compete with Henry, Will O'Rourke and Ben Sears on form alone if he is to be selected in the Test XI going forward.

Latham had previously captained NZ on nine occasions during Kane Williamson's captaincy, before Southee took over in December 2022.

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