Former New Zealand captain Tim Southee announced on Friday that his upcoming Test series against England would be his last, with the 35-year-old set to retire at his home ground in Hamilton. Southee made his Test debut against England in Napier back in 2008 and has since been a cornerstone of the New Zealand team, taking 385 wickets in 104 Tests—second only to Richard Hadlee (431) among New Zealand bowlers.

“Representing New Zealand was all I ever dreamed of growing up,” Southee said. “But the time feels right to step away from the game that has given so much to me.” He also expressed his deep connection to Test cricket. “Test cricket holds a special place in my heart,” he added. “To play my final series against the same opponent I began my career with, and at grounds that are incredibly special to me, seems like the perfect way to end my time in the black cap.”

Southee captained New Zealand in 2022, leading the team to six wins, six losses, and two draws before passing on the captaincy to Tom Latham last month, who guided the team to a 3-0 Test sweep over India. Known for his all-round skills, Southee is the only player to have taken over 300 Test wickets, 200 ODI wickets, and 100 T20 wickets.

New Zealand Cricket CEO Scott Weenink hailed Southee as one of the country’s greatest players. “Tim has been a constant in the improving fortunes of the Blackcaps,” he said. “He’ll be remembered as a giant of modern New Zealand cricket.”

After the three-Test series with England, which starts on November 28 in Christchurch, Southee will decide if he has one final white-ball farewell in him, with New Zealand set to face Sri Lanka in three ODIs and three T20s starting December 28. Blackcaps coach Gary Stead praised Southee’s resilience, calling him an “incredibly tough competitor” who would be missed in the team.