The time has finally come as the 36-year-old legendary New Zealand pacer Tim Southee is playing his last Test as the Hamilton Test between New Zealand and England just started on Saturday (December 14).

Before his last Test, Southee picked up 389 wickets in 106 Tests. Southee was present on his last Test with his daughter. Meanwhile, on his last Test match, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) published a video where his national teammates were talking about the importance and influence of the 6ft 4in tall right-arm medium fast bowler. 

Kane Williamson

The former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson isn’t only his teammate in senior international cricket, but they had great experiences together in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2008 in Malaysia, where Williamson led the New Zealand youths and Southee was the second leading wicket-taker in that tournament (17 wickets). While they lost the semi-final, the Virat Kohli-led Indian team won that tournament.

Southee and Williamson have played together in 260 international matches, including 88 Tests. 

Williamson said, “He was my right-hand man really, and someone I could always rely on. Just such a solid sort of loyal teammate that would always walk towards the challenge

“He’s been just an absolute stalwart, you know, in our team. Such a resilient player, really, that’s paved the path for people to come. You can sit here talking about wickets and sixes, maybe, and highlights on the field. But, you know, for me, he’s an amazing sort of representation of what’s important to play for New Zealand, to be a Black Cap and that’ll be something that I’ll always treasure.” 

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Matt Henry

Southee has played 53 international matches with the fast bowler Matt Henry, including 23 Tests. 

Henry said, “To be able to play for New Zealand for over 100 Tests, it shows resilience and what playing for New Zealand means.”

“I think he’ll be massively missed. He’s obviously a huge part of our group and a huge backbone of this fast bowling group for 17 years. I think it is. We’ve been through some amazing games together and there’s so many fond memories to reflect on.”

Grant Elliott

Grant Elliott and Southee played 46 international matches, including two Tests. 

Grant Elliott said, “I mean, he was an exceptional cricketer. There’s no doubt about it. First New Zealander and only New Zealander takes 700 wickets in all three formats. He led by action, and I think that’s the only way he can lead.

“Champion person, champion player, just very lucky to have played with not only a great player, but an amazing person.” 

Shane Bond

Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond was senior to Southee. Although they never played together in Test cricket, they played 14 white-ball international matches. Also, Bond was later the bowling coach of the national team. 

Bond said, “You know, he turns up every day, always prepared, never complaints, just gets of with stuff. Loved to talk about cricket, wanted to get better.”

“Yeah, look he deserves all the recognition. I think it’s nice in this series that people can take the opportunity to recognise what he’s done for New Zealand cricket."

The feelings of his teammates are well enough to describe Southee's importance in the national team. 

“He’s an amazing representation of what’s important to play for New Zealand.”

As Tim Southee embarks on his 107th and final Test match, hear from his current and former teammates on the legacy that he will leave behind. #NZvENG #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/WtjXoegE3w

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 13, 2024

Former New Zealand fast bowler, Shane Bond, assumes the role of head coach for the SA20 franchise Paarl Royals, succeeding JP Duminy, who now serves as the permanent batting coach for the South African national cricket team.

Bond, known for his coaching roles in various T20 leagues, recently served as the head coach for MI Emirates in the ILT20. He previously held the position of bowling coach for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL from 2015 to 2020.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new venture, Bond left his roles in the ILT20 and the IPL to join the Royals Sports Group. In October 2023, he was unveiled as the new assistant coach and fast-bowling coach for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. The Rajasthan franchise also owns the Barbados Royals in the CPL, in addition to its SA20 franchise.

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In a press release, Bond shared his excitement about the challenge and the strong squad assembled for the upcoming SA20 season, scheduled from January 10 to February 10. The inaugural match for the Paarl Royals takes place at Boland Park on January 12 against the Pretoria Capitals. Kumar Sangakkara, the Royals Director of Cricket, welcomed Bond into his new role, emphasizing the alignment of Bond’s experience, commitment, and vision with the team’s goals for the upcoming season. The defending champions of the league are Sunrisers Eastern Cape.