Southee steps down as NZ Test captain after Sri Lanka series loss

Tom Latham has replaced Tim Southee as the New Zealand Test captain, with the fast bowler stepping down from the role following his side’s 2-0 series loss against Sri Lanka last week.

The veteran made the announcement on Wednesday, having led the Black Caps in red-ball cricket on 14 occasions since 2022.

“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,” Southee said.

“Captaining the Black Caps 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.

“I will, as I’ve always done, continue to support my teammates, especially the exciting young bowlers making their way on the international stage.

“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.”

The move comes with Southee’s position in the Kiwi side now under scrutiny.

The 35-year-old has claimed just 12 wickets in his last eight Tests, with figures of 2/157 across the Sri Lankan series.

“Tim’s a fantastic player and a very good leader who is held in high regard by the players and support staff,” NZ coach Gary Stead said.

“He’s been a great servant of New Zealand cricket over nearly 17 years playing on the international stage.

“I’d like to acknowledge his humility in stepping down from the role as Test captain.

“It’s not easy giving up something you love, but Tim is a true team-man and he’s made the decision with the team’s best interests at heart.

“He’s one of our greatest ever players and we still very much see him playing a part in our Test side moving forward.”

Latham is no stranger to captaining the New Zealand team, having done so nine times over the last four years.

His position in the side is more assured as well, given he is New Zealand’s first-choice wicketkeeper and has a Test batting average of just under 40.

New Zealand head to India for three Tests beginning in mid-October, where they will need to pull off an unlikely clean sweep if they are to have any chance of making the World Test Championship final next year.

Cricket betting sites are yet to release odds for the first Test, but India will be heavy favourites after winning seven of their eight Tests so far in 2024.

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