Sir Richard Hadlee Wants Tim Southee To Become New Zealand's Highest Test Wicket-Taker

New Zealand bowling great Sir Richard Hadlee encouraged pace bowler Tim Southee to break the record of his Test wickets and become New Zealand’s highest wicket-taker in the oldest format.

Southee, who made his Test debut against England in 2008 in Napier, has accumulated 338 Test wickets in 85 matches at 28.2. The 33-year-old is New Zealand’s third-highest wicket-taker behind Daniel Vettori (361) and Sir Richard Hadlee (431).

I would be very satisfied and pleased that it would be you to do it: Sir Richard Hadlee to Tim Southee

Hadlee asked Southee to prepare himself to surpass his tally in the coming years as the latter is 94 scalps shy of creating the milestone. The 70-year-old former New Zealand player said he would be satisfied to watch Southee go past his tally of Test wickets.

“No doubt the 400 test wickets are insight and maybe that magic number 431 is in the back of your mind. So, I’ll be watching that with some interest and if you are to reach that mark, I’m prepared to sit here and say, ‘it’s time for me to let it go’,” Sir Richard Hadlee told Southee in a video conference uploaded on Stuff.

“I would be very satisfied and pleased that it would be you to do it – so there you go, there’s a wee bit of motivation for you,” he added.

You’re a very deserving winner: Sir Richard Hadlee on Tim Southee winning Sir Richard Hadlee Medal

Southee on Thursday bagged the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal, an honour bestowed on New Zealand’s performer in a calendar year. Southee claimed 22 Test wickets at 23.45 in the year 2021, he also ended as New Zealand’s leading wicket-getter in the World Test Championship 2019-21.

Southee claimed five wickets in the WTC final against India at the Rose Bowl in June last year as the Black Caps won the inaugural edition by eight wickets. Hadlee told Southee that he deserved the award and heaped praise for his technique.

“You’re a very deserving winner. We go back 14 years to when I was part of the selection panel who first picked you and to watch you develop over the years into the fine-tuned bowler you are now has been quite remarkable,” the 70-year-old said.

“You seem to be in total control of your game and bowling as well as you ever have. You’ve got a simple technique which is easy to repeat, and your skill sets have gone to another level,” he added.

Southee is currently part of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad in India for the IPL 2022.

Also Read: Tim Southee Wins Sir Richard Hadlee Medal At 2022 New Zealand Cricket Awards