New Zealand’s seasoned fast bowler, Tim Southee, is known for his deadly bowling skills, but what’s surprising is his growing stature as a batsman in Test cricket. While many bowlers struggle to make an impact with the bat, Southee has been breaking records and setting new milestones. Recently, he achieved a significant feat—surpassing legendary West Indian batsman Brian Lara in the number of sixes hit in Test cricket. This achievement has made him the only bowler in the world to break Lara’s six-hitting record, marking him as a unique player who can contribute with both the ball and the bat.
Tim Southee’s Six-Hitting Streak in Test Cricket
Tim Southee has become a dangerous presence on the cricket field, not just for his fast bowling but also for his hard-hitting abilities. At 35, Southee has hit an impressive 89 sixes in 102 Test matches. This tally surpasses Brian Lara’s record of 88 sixes, which the West Indian cricketer set during his illustrious career spanning 131 Test matches. Southee’s knack for hitting sixes places him seventh on the list of players who have hit the most sixes in Test cricket globally.
On the Verge of Breaking Virender Sehwag’s Record
Southee’s six-hitting spree is far from over. With just three more sixes, he will surpass India’s explosive opener, Virender Sehwag, who has hit 91 sixes in his Test career. Sehwag, known for his aggressive style, holds the record for the most sixes by an Indian in Test cricket. Southee is poised to overtake him during New Zealand’s Test series against India, adding yet another feather to his cap.
Eyeing Steve Smith’s Record
Tim Southee is also chasing another milestone, this time in international cricket as a whole. Australian star batsman Steve Smith, who began his career as a leg-spinner, has become one of the top batsmen in the world. Smith has hit 133 sixes in 293 international innings, while Southee, who is now level with Smith, could overtake him in the near future with his consistent hitting.
A Look at Tim Southee’s Career
Tim Southee’s cricket journey began in 2008 when he made his Test debut against England in Napier. Since then, he has become one of New Zealand’s leading fast bowlers, with a record of 382 wickets in 102 matches. His bowling achievements include 15 five-wicket hauls and one instance of taking 10 wickets in a match.
But his contributions with the bat are equally impressive. In Test cricket, Southee has scored 2,115 runs, including six half-centuries, showcasing his ability to perform as a lower-order batsman. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he has accumulated 740 runs, and in T20 Internationals, he has added 303 runs to his name. Southee’s six-hitting skills extend beyond Tests, with 26 sixes in ODIs and 18 sixes in T20 Internationals.
Southee’s Unique Place in Cricket
While many bowlers focus solely on their bowling, Southee’s dual ability to shine with both bat and ball makes him a rare player. His six-hitting prowess adds an extra dimension to his game, making him a key figure for New Zealand in all formats of cricket. As Southee continues to chase records, both with the ball and the bat, he stands as a testament to the evolving role of bowlers in modern-day cricket.
With Tim Southee breaking records, including those held by batting legends like Brian Lara and possibly soon Virender Sehwag, his name is cemented in cricket history for more than just his bowling. He’s proving that bowlers can be match-winners with the bat too.
