In an emotional farewell to Test cricket, New Zealand’s veteran fast bowler Tim Southee etched his name alongside cricketing legend Chris Gayle in the record books. On December 13, 2024, during the third Test match against England at Seddon Park, Hamilton, Southee matched Gayle’s tally of 98 sixes in the longest format of the game, contributing to New Zealand’s score of 315/9 by the end of Day 1.
Southee, known predominantly for his bowling prowess, has always been an underappreciated asset with the bat, particularly in Test cricket. His innings in this match was nothing short of spectacular, scoring a brisk 23 off just 10 balls, including three sixes. This performance not only highlighted his aggressive batting approach but also underscored his significant contribution to New Zealand cricket over his illustrious career.
The match itself was a rollercoaster, starting with a strong opening partnership by Tom Latham and Will Young, who put together 105 runs. However, England’s bowlers, particularly Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts, and Brydon Carse, managed to claw back into the game by dismantling New Zealand’s middle order. Despite the stutters, Southee’s late cameo ensured that New Zealand ended the day in a respectable position.
Mitchell Santner, left unbeaten on 50, along with William O’Rourke, held the fort for New Zealand, suggesting that there might be more runs on offer on Day 2. Southee’s performance, though brief, was pivotal in shifting the momentum back towards the home side after England had made significant inroads into the Kiwi batting lineup.
Southee’s achievement places him in an elite group of six-hitters in Test cricket. The list is headed by England’s Ben Stokes, who has smashed 133 sixes in his Test career, followed by New Zealand’s own Brendon McCullum with 107, and Australia’s Adam Gilchrist with exactly 100. Southee, now level with Gayle, sits fourth on this prestigious list, just two sixes shy of becoming only the fourth player to hit a century of sixes in Test cricket.
This record isn’t just about brute force but also about the context in which these sixes were hit. Southee, unlike his counterparts who are primarily batsmen, is a bowler by trade, making his achievement even more remarkable. His ability to switch gears and entertain with the bat has been a feature of his game, providing crucial lower-order runs when needed most.
Southee’s farewell match was laden with emotion, not just for him but for fans and teammates alike. Receiving a guard of honour from the England team led by Ben Stokes, Southee walked out to bat amidst applause, a testament to his respected status in the cricketing world. His innings was not just about numbers but also about moments – the acknowledgment of a stellar career by both teams, the cheers from the crowd at his home ground, and the poignant reminder of cricket’s human side.
With New Zealand at 315/9, the match is delicately poised. England will look to wrap up the innings quickly on Day 2, but New Zealand has set a platform that could challenge England’s batting line-up, especially with Santner still at the crease. Southee’s contribution with the bat has given New Zealand a psychological edge, demonstrating resilience and depth in their batting order.
Furthermore, Southee’s legacy transcends this match. As New Zealand’s all-time leading international wicket-taker with 770 wickets across formats, his impact on the sport, particularly in New Zealand, has been profound. His departure from Test cricket marks the end of an era, but his records, especially in six-hitting, will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.
While Southee’s Test career concludes, his influence on cricket will persist. He is set to make a decision on his involvement in white-ball cricket, potentially playing one final series against Sri Lanka post-Christmas. His journey from a young prodigy to one of the greatest bowlers for New Zealand has been one of dedication, skill, and an unyielding spirit.
As the series against England concludes, all eyes will be on whether Southee can hit those two additional sixes to reach a personal milestone. More importantly, fans will celebrate the career of a true cricketing stalwart, whose contributions to the game will be remembered for years to come.
Tim Southee’s performance in his farewell Test not only added to the lore of New Zealand cricket but also to the broader narrative of cricket’s rich history of record-breakers. His equalling of Chris Gayle’s six-hitting record in Tests is a fitting tribute to his versatility and his capacity to entertain and excel in all aspects of the game. As New Zealand aims to leverage this scoreline, the cricket world pauses to honor one of its finest players, who, with every six, has not only scored runs but also hearts.
