Tim Southee will walk away from test cricket a winner, with the Black Caps completing a record-levelling victory over England in the third test at Seddon Park. After being beaten by a record margin in the second test in Wellington – a 323-run result that clinched series success for the tourists – New Zealand turned the tables in comprehensive if consolatory fashion. The 423-run triumph matches what they managed against Sri Lanka in 2018, the two tests now level as the Black Caps’ biggest wins by runs.
It also ensured Southee’s 107th and final test ended in a manner befitting the 36-year-old’s immense contribution to New Zealand cricket, his career concluding against the same opposition he faced in his first international action aged 19. Southee picked up 2-34 in England’s second innings to finish his career with 391 test wickets, second only to Sir Richard Hadlee on 431. The seamer also added 2220 runs – sitting fourth on test cricket’s six-hitting charts with 98 – with a high score of 77 not out set on debut in 2008.
Mitchell Santner wrapped up the innings on Tuesday to add 4-85 to the 3-7 he secured in the first innings, notching 76 and 49 with the bat to claim his second player-of-the-match award in as many tests. The Hamiltonian earned that same honour with a 13-wicket haul in the second-test win over India in Pune, before missing the third test of that historic sweep and being omitted as England grabbed victory in the first two matches of this series. H.
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