Former New Zealand captain Tim Southee said Friday the team’s upcoming Test series with England would be his last, with the 35-year-old set to finish up at his home ground in Hamilton.

The fast bowler made his debut against England in Napier in 2008 and has been a mainstay since, playing 104 Tests and accumulating 385 wickets.

“The time feels right to now step away from the game that has given so much to me,” he said.

“Test cricket holds a special place in my heart.

“So to be able to play such a big series against the same opponent my Test career began against all those years ago, and on three grounds that are incredibly special to me, seems the perfect way to end my time in the black cap.”

Southee’s all-round skills and consistency have seen him become the only player in the world to claim more than 300 Test wickets, 200 ODI wickets and 100 T20 wickets.

He will make a decision after the three-Test England series, which gets under way in Christchurch on November 28, on whether he has one final white-ball farewell in him.

New Zealand face Sri Lanka in three ODIs and three T20s at home from late December.

Blackcaps coach Gary Stead said Southee’s record spoke for itself.

“Tim’s durability and resilience has been outstanding,” he said.

“He’s an incredibly tough competitor who gets himself up for big occasions and is rarely injured.

“Tim cares deeply about the team, its reputation and performances, and he will be missed within the Blackcaps environment.”

mp/aha