Why the end of Tim Southee's Test captaincy is the best decision for himself

There’s a poem by Walt Whitman, which, you perhaps better know from a film: “O Captain! My Captain!”

I’d be surprised if many didn’t know that line, regardless of what from.

In fact, those who didn’t know it, would likely be in the same range as those who would stand on a desk and vehemently exclaim that Tim Southee’s decision to stand down as Blackcaps Test captain, was the wrong one.

Especially when the man himself affirms that it’s “the best decision for the team” and one he made himself.

History, and previous administration, would suggest that these sorts of decisions don’t always happen smoothly. This time, thankfully, it has.

The reality is, Southee’s recent personal record, putting aside the captaincy, hasn’t been good enough to be selected. It’s what was widely raised when he was first named as captain less than two years ago - 38 wickets at an average of 38.60, is far from his overall career numbers of 382 scalps at 29.80.

Thinking about your own game while worrying about field sets, changes, and who knows what else, would muddle anyone’s mind.

Pat Cummins, the only other full-time fast bowler captain, has also had his numbers decline - though 105 at 24.00 hardly makes him a liability to the side. Any fast bowler would bite your hand off for those sorts of stats.

If New Zealand was winning Tests, that’d perhaps cover the Southee cracks. They wouldn’t be completely gone, but maybe hidden from plain sight, a wallpaper of sorts - but they haven’t been.

Six wins, six defeats and two draws from his 14 Tests in charge, including series sweeps by Sri Lanka and Australia, while Southee himself, hasn’t taken more than two wickets in an innings, since St. Patrick's Day 2023. That, to be sure, to be sure, isn’t so lucky.

It was, and is, the right call - one which was clearly made very quickly, indicating that perhaps very little resistance was shown.

There’s a clear and experienced successor in Tom Latham, and it now leaves Southee the chance to get back to doing what he does best; bowling.

I’ve heard suggestions that perhaps Southee was initially offered the captaincy through fear that if he wasn’t given it, he’d walk. Baring in mind, Trent Boult had just stepped away, and Neil Wagner was, now we know, nearing the end.

I don’t claim to know Tim overly-well, but I know enough people around him, that I’d be very surprised if that was the case.

When fronting media to discuss his decision, Southee emphasised how much he cares for the team. That, has never been in doubt.

Some may point to the cavalier, at times perceived carefree, and yes frustrating approach to batting, but you don’t run in for almost 17 years for a team you’re indifferent about.

Being a fast bowler is hard. To say it’s sore, is putting it lightly.

As the great Shane Bond once said, “you’re pumping drugs into yourself, just to keep going. It’s not good for you, but it’s what you have to do to get by.”

Southee has done more than just get by since he burst onto the scene as a 19-year-old in Napier, nipping one back to whack the pads of then-England captain Michael Vaughan, before going on to take a five wicket haul. He’s claimed another 14 since.

But 102 tests later, there’s no doubt that the end is near.

As we reported on Newshub (RIP) in March, looking at the long-term Test schedule, a fairytale finish against England, at home, against his old mate Brendon McCullum, may not be the worst way for Southee to say farewell.

Though, who quite knows when he’ll be pulling stumps. After all, James Anderson’s set a new standard for fast bowlers to be able to play into their 40’s, though it’d be surprising if Southee is still donning the whites in 2030 (imagine that!). That tour of Aussie is certainly a carrot to continue though.

Regardless, his role is now clear. When selected (which he may not always be now), swing the ball, take wickets, and be a support person to Latham.

But arguably even more importantly, it’s to be a mentor for the next crop of players coming through. Southee still playing will help with the continued growth and success of those far younger, who he’ll now be fighting for spots with - the likes of Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears and when fit, Kyle Jamieson.

There’s a line in that Walt Whitman poem that says “our fearful trip is done” - was it one under Southee’s captaincy? Perhaps. Is it done? Yes.

So, for now, Blackcaps fans, it’s going to be about enjoying the last of the trip, that is his career.

Alex Chapman is a former Newshub sports reporter.