On the opening day of the third Test between New Zealand and England at Seddon Park, Hamilton, New Zealand star player Tim Southee who is playing the last Test of his career is making headlines with his amazing batting achievements.
Known primarily for his bowling prowess, Southee showcased his batting abilities by scoring a unique milestone that made his name in the history of cricket. All the bowling went over the legendary Jacques Kallis to climb into the top five players with the biggest sixes in Test cricket.
Tim Southee's explosive bat
During the first innings in New Zealand, Southee played a short but influential cameo, smashing 23 runs off just 10 deliveries. His aggressive innings included three sixes and a boundary. Although his contribution may appear small on paper, those three sixes brought Southee into the elite club of Test cricketers with the most sixes of their careers. With a career tally of 98 sixes, Southee surpassed South African cricket legend Jacques Kallis, who has 97 sixes to his name.
Southee's feat also tied him with former explosive West Indies opener, Chris Gaylewho equally holds 98 sixes in test cricket. With New Zealand still having one more innings to play in this Test, fans and analysts are expecting him to surpass Gayle soon and climb even higher in the rankings. This record confirms that although Southee is famous for his bowling, his batting abilities should not be underestimated.
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Southee's milestone in test cricket
Southee reached this milestone in impressive fashion during his short but impactful innings. Front Stokes Mountain in the 79th over, he smashed a short ball cleanly over mid-wicket for his 96th six. Two balls later, he hit a smooth, powerful shot over deep backward square, registering six number 97. In the next over, Southee danced down the track to a short ball from Gus Atkinson and he launched it over deep mid-wicket, taking his tally to 98 sixes in Test cricket.
His aggressive style eventually led to his retirement, as he attempted another big shot but mistimed it, resulting in a major concussion. Brydon Carse off Atkinson's bowling. He was applauded by the crowd, albeit briefly, in recognition of the milestone he achieved during his time in the centre.
