Tim Southee: New Zealand’s Swing Bowler
Profile of Tim Southee, the New Zealand swing bowler who started with a five-wicket haul on Test debut in 2008 and retired from Tests in December 2024.
Early life and rise
Tim Southee was born in Whangarei in 1988 and rose swiftly as a teenager. He made his Test debut for New Zealand in 2008 against England at Napier, aged 19, and took five wickets in the first innings, a notable start for a player so young.
Playing style
Southee was a right-arm swing bowler, specialising in the new ball and in the ability to move the ball in the air in both directions. He used a smooth action, and his skill in conditions that offered movement made him a regular threat to opposition openers. He also contributed lower-order runs with the bat, with some memorable hitting.
Career highlights
Southee played 107 Tests and took 391 wickets, as of the end of 2024. He was a key member of the New Zealand side that won the 2021 World Test Championship final at Southampton, beating India. He also took part in the 2015 and 2019 World Cups, and was a long-serving member of New Zealand’s T20 side, where he became one of the leading wicket-takers in T20 internationals.
He played domestic cricket for Northern Districts, and county cricket for Essex, and he was part of several Indian Premier League franchises, including Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders. His final Test came against England at Hamilton in December 2024.
Legacy
Southee is one of the most successful bowlers New Zealand has produced, and with Trent Boult he formed a long-lasting new-ball partnership. His longevity across three formats and his skill with swing mean he is regularly named among the finest New Zealand bowlers of his era.
Frequently asked questions
How many Test wickets did Tim Southee take?
He took 391 wickets in 107 Tests, as of the end of 2024.
When did Tim Southee make his Test debut?
He debuted in 2008 against England at Napier, taking five wickets in the first innings.
Which major title did Southee win with New Zealand?
He was part of the side that won the 2021 World Test Championship final against India.