Southee tees up New Zealand with blistering cameo in farewell Test

The grizzled New Zealand seamer Tim Southee, playing his final Test, produced a quickfire display with the bat on the opening day of the third Test against England.Having got off to a strong start, New Zealand were teetering at 272 with only two wickets in hand when Tim Southee marked his guard on Saturday here.

The 36-year-old, who received a guard of honor from the visiting team, then took the centre-stage with a 10-ball-23, that helped the Black Caps breach the 300-run mark.Southee's innings - composed of one four and three sixes - alongside a half-century from Mitchell Santner ensured the hosts closed Day 1 of the third Test against England at 315/9 after they were put in to bat first.

A Black Caps veteran with 106 Tests and 309 wickets under his belt, Southee had announced his retirement following the ongoing three-Test series against England, an ICC report said.Earlier, Tom Latham (63) and Will Young (42) compiled a 105-run opening stand for the hosts.

However, just as the hosts looked set to forge a big total, Gus Atkinson provided England with their first breakthrough. Shortly afterwards, Latham fell to Matthew Potts, nicking one behind to wicketkeeper Ollie Pope.
Kane Williamson, who had marked his comeback in the ongoing series following a long bout with injury, scaled his way to a well composed 44 off 87 deliveries.

But the former New Zealand skipper was undone off an innocuous length ball, which bounched its way onto his middle stump after he had defended it right under his eyes.The Black Caps struggled to stitch a partnership as England kept bagging wickets at regular intervals before the tail wagged.

For England, Atkinson and Potts went on to snap three wickets apiece while Brydon Carse struck twice and skipper Ben Stokes removed Matt Henry.The visitors have already clinched the Test series after gaining a 2-0 unassailable lead following comprehensive wins in Christchurch and Wellington.Placed fifth and sixth in the ICC World Test Championship points table, both teams are already out of contention for a spot in next year's final at Lord's.(UNI)<>