Image courtesy: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP
Timothy Grant Southee, born on December 11, 1988, in Whangārei, Northland, New Zealand, is one of New Zealand cricket’s finest fast bowlers and a valuable all-round contributor. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, Southee has consistently been a pillar of New Zealand’s bowling attack across formats for over a decade. With exceptional performances on the field and exemplary leadership qualities, he remains a celebrated figure in international cricket.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Timothy Grant Southee
- Date of Birth: December 11, 1988
- Place of Birth: Whangārei, Northland, New Zealand
- Height: 6’4” (193 cm)
- Batting Style: Right-handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm fast-medium
- Role: Bowler
- Nickname: Timmy
Early Life and Education
Tim Southee grew up in a sports-loving family in Whangārei and displayed exceptional athletic skills from a young age. He was a natural all-rounder, excelling in rugby and cricket during his school days. His cricketing talent quickly became evident, leading him to represent New Zealand in the 2008 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, where he was named Player of the Tournament.
International Debut
- T20I Debut: February 5, 2008, against England at Eden Park.
- Test Debut: March 22, 2008, against England at McLean Park, where he made an immediate impact by taking five wickets in an innings and smashing a quick-fire 77 not out.
- ODI Debut: June 15, 2008, against England at Riverside Ground.
Career Highlights
- World Cup Contributions:
- Key bowler for New Zealand in multiple ICC Cricket World Cups, including the 2015 edition where he took 7/33 against England, one of the best ODI bowling performances ever.
- Played a crucial role in New Zealand’s runner-up campaigns in the 2015 and 2019 World Cups.
- World Test Championship (WTC):
- Instrumental in New Zealand’s victory in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (2021), where they defeated India in the final.
- Leadership:
- Appointed New Zealand’s Test captain in 2022, succeeding Kane Williamson.
- Known for his tactical acumen and ability to inspire teammates.
- Major Achievements:
- Second-highest wicket-taker for New Zealand in Test cricket, behind Sir Richard Hadlee.
- Consistent performances in all formats, earning him recognition as one of the most reliable pacers globally.
Career Statistics (As of December 2024)
| Format | Matches | Innings | Wickets | Best Bowling | Bowling Average | Economy Rate | Strike Rate | 5-Wicket Hauls | 10-Wicket Hauls | Runs Scored | Batting Average | Highest Score | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 107 | 199 | 391 | 7/64 | 30.26 | 3.02 | 60.1 | 15 | 1 | 1,912 | 16.47 | 77* | 5 |
| ODI | 161 | 151 | 221 | 7/33 | 33.70 | 5.53 | 36.5 | 3 | 0 | 807 | 11.92 | 55 | 1 |
| T20I | 125 | 124 | 164 | 5/18 | 22.17 | 7.99 | 16.6 | 2 | 0 | 238 | 8.50 | 27 | 0 |
| First-Class | 142 | 264 | 504 | 7/64 | 27.49 | 3.01 | 54.6 | 22 | 3 | 2,354 | 17.19 | 77* | 6 |
| List A | 192 | 167 | 275 | 7/33 | 31.96 | 5.27 | 36.3 | 4 | 0 | 1,056 | 12.73 | 55 | 1 |
| T20 | 183 | 178 | 225 | 5/18 | 25.11 | 8.10 | 18.5 | 2 | 0 | 382 | 10.05 | 30* | 0 |
Net Worth and Lifestyle
- Net Worth:
- Estimated to be $6 million (approximately ₹50 crore) as of 2024.
- Major income sources include New Zealand Cricket contracts, IPL earnings, endorsements, and sponsorship deals.
- Properties:
- Owns a luxurious house in Whangārei, equipped with modern amenities.
- Investments in real estate across New Zealand.
- Car Collection:
- Possesses high-end vehicles, including a Range Rover and an Audi Q7.
- Lifestyle Highlights:
- Known for his modest and grounded personality, despite his fame and success.
- A family-oriented individual, often seen spending quality time with his wife and children.
- A golf enthusiast, regularly participating in local tournaments during the off-season.
Retirement and Legacy
In December 2024, during the third Test against England at Seddon Park, Hamilton, Southee announced his retirement from Test cricket. He received a guard of honour from the England team, a testament to the respect he commands globally.
Tim Southee’s legacy is marked by his consistency, sportsmanship, and leadership. As one of New Zealand’s finest bowlers, he leaves behind a treasure trove of memorable performances and serves as an inspiration for upcoming cricketers.
