New Zealand pacer Tim Southee walked off Seddon Park in Hamilton to loud cheers on his home ground for the final time, after the hosts gave England a hammering in the third and final Test on Tuesday, reports Cricbuzz.
The veteran fast-bowler, who had announced his retirement before the start of the series, ended with 776 international wickets (391 in Tests, 221 in ODIs and 164 in T20Is).
Southee said that it was special to retire after a 423-run win against England, allowing himself to enjoy the occasion during the series and soak it all up in three grounds he considered to be really special.
“Yeah, it was pretty special to win by 400-odd runs against a brilliant opposition", said Southee after the hosts completely outplayed England. "I guess it's a nice way to fade off after what's been an incredible journey so yeah, an enjoyable few days and I'll certainly miss these feelings,” continued Southee.
“I allowed myself a couple of times to enjoy it, soak it up and it's just been great, the three grounds, the fan following. To turn out one last time and three places which have been pretty special to me is a nice way to finish and to finish with an emphatic win was a nice way to fade-out.”
Southee had made his debut as a teenager for New Zealand back in 2008 and cricket is everything he's known since he was 19-years-old, but he was able to be at peace after making his decision to retire.
“Yeah, I was at peace when I made the decision. It was probably the hardest when I was telling a few people that were close to me. And once I did that, then I was certainly at peace with the decision. The game's been brilliant to me. It's been everything I've known since I was 19 years old...So, yeah, I'll miss it, but I've got 17 years of memories which I can call back on.”
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
