Tim Southee Resigns As NZ Test Captain: Tim Southee has stepped down as the Test captain of the New Zealand men’s cricket team after the team's two-match Test series defeat to Sri Lanka by 0-2. The New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced on October 2 (Wednesday) that Tom Latham is set to take over the captaincy role full-time. Southee’s relinquishment of the Test captaincy comes before New Zealand’s upcoming three-match Test series against India, starting October 16.


Tim Southee, 35, led the New Zealand Test side in 14 matches, in which the Black Caps won six and lost six with two draws. He took over the captaincy role from Kane Williamson in 2022.


ALSO ON ABP Live | IND vs BAN T20 Series Kicks Off On October 6: Schedule, Dates, Time And Venues


Souhtee Believes Test Captaincy Resignation Is Best For Team


Southee expressed that his decision to give up the Test captaincy stems from his priority to put the team best and think in its best interest.


“Captaining the BLACKCAPS in a format that’s so special to me, has been an absolute honour and a privilege. I’ve always tried to put the team first throughout my career and I believe this decision is the best for the team,” NZC quoted Souhtee as saying.
 
“I believe the way I can best serve the team moving forward is focusing on my performances on the field and getting back to my best, to continue taking wickets and helping New Zealand win Test matches. I will, as I’ve always done, continue to support my teammates, especially the exciting young bowlers making their way on the international stage,” Souhtee added.


Wishing Latham best of luck, Southee pledged his support to him for his upcoming Test captaincy tenure.
 
“I wish Tom all the best in the role and he knows I’ll be there to support him on his journey, as he has done for me over the years.”


ALSO READ | Babar Azam Steps Down As Pakistan Team Captain For Second Time In A Year


NZC CEO Scott Weenink praised Tim Southee for his selflessness and commitment to prioritising the team.


 “It’s a measure of the man that he continues to put the team interests ahead of his own and, despite his obvious personal disappointment, wants to do the best thing possible for everyone else. To me, that’s the sign of a true leader in every sense of the word,” Weenink stated.


Coming to the recently-concluded New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Test series, Black Caps lost the first Test by 63 runs. The second Test saw the Tim Souhtee-led side suffer even bigger loss as they got thrashed by an innings and 154 runs.