New Zealand Tim Southee completes 250 wickets in Test cricket
Pace bowler Tim Southee added another milestone to his name and completed 250 wickets in Test cricket. He managed to achieve the milestone during the second Test played against Sri Lanka at P. Sara Oval in Colombo.
Since making his Test debut against England in Napier in 2008, Southee has formed a lethal new-ball partnership with Trent Boult for New Zealand. Few days ago, Southee’s new-ball partner, Trent Boult completed 250 wickets for New Zealand in Test cricket.
Pace bowler Tim Southee dismissed Sri Lanka skipper Dimuth Karunaratne on Day 5 of the second Test to complete the landmark. He pinned Karunaratne right in front of stumps to see New Zealand push for a possible victory at P. Sara Oval in Colombo.
Before the second Test, Southee has claimed 245 wickets and needed five more to complete the landmark. With Southee picking up wickets on the final day, New Zealand will have great opportunity to square the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.
Tim Southee made his debut for New Zealand after delivering impressive performances in the U-19 World Cup.
The 30-year old completed 250 wickets in 67 matches and became the fourth bowler for New Zealand to achieve the milestone. Sir Richard Hadlee, Daniel Vettori and Trent Boult are the other three bowlers to have achieved this milestone.
New Zealand’s fast bowling legend Richard Hadlee completed 250 wickets in 53rd Test match in 1985. Left-arm quick Trent Boult completed the milestone in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle. He achieved the landmark in 64 matches for New Zealand.
Since January 2016, Southee has raised his game with the ball and produced impressive numbers for New Zealand in Test cricket. He has claimed 88 wickets in 21 matches at an average of 27.00. He has also picked up four five wicket hauls during this period.
Given his consistently good performances, Southee will be keen to continue his good form in red-ball cricket.
