Latham replaces Southee as New Zealand Test captain

Tom Latham is appointed New Zealand’s Test captain after Tim Southee steps down from the role following a 22-month spell in charge.

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Tom Latham (right) will take over from Tim Southee (left) as New Zealand Test captain Tom Latham has been appointed New Zealand Test captain after Tim Southee stepped down following 22 months in the role. Southee had been in charge of the Black Caps’ red-ball side for 14 matches since replacing Kane Williamson in December 2022. But the 35-year-old has relinquished the position “in the best interests of the team” after a 2-0 series defeat by Sri Lanka. Latham, who has skippered New Zealand in nine previous Tests, will take on the position full-time, beginning with a three-match series in India in October and November. “Captaining the Black Caps in a format that’s so special to me, has been an absolute honour and a privilege,” said Southee. “I’ve always tried to put the team first throughout my career and I believe this decision is the best for the team. “I believe the way I can best serve the team moving forward is focusing on my performances on the field and getting back to my best, to continue taking wickets and helping New Zealand win Test matches. “I wish Tom all the best in the role and he knows I’ll be there to support him on his journey, as he has done for me over the years.” New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said of Southee: “He’s been a great servant of New Zealand Cricket over nearly 17 years playing on the international stage, and I’d like to acknowledge his humility in stepping down from the role as Test captain. “It’s not easy giving up something you love, but Tim is a true team man and he’s made the decision with the team’s best interests at heart. “He’s one of our greatest ever players and we still very much see him playing a part in our Test side moving forward.” Since his debut in 2008, Southee has taken 382 wickets in 102 Tests for New Zealand and won six of his 14 matches as captain, with six losses and two draws. He will return to the ranks in India for what will be a tough first assignment for Latham, who won four of his nine Tests in charge between 2020 and 2022. The Black Caps then return home to face England in three Tests, starting in late November. New Zealand in Sri Lanka 2024 Get cricket news sent straight to your phone Champions League reaction and latest football news Smith and late wickets boost England against Pakistan ‘Kids will be trying that in the playground’ – Haaland goal hailed Watch the UEFA Champions League highlights on iPlayer All the goals and unmissable moments from Europe’s greatest football club competition What makes a good athlete? Hannah Fry and Dara Ó Briain tackle the science of sport Take a deep dive into puzzling paranormal stories A collection of chilling true tales that continue to baffle and bemuse Did you know humming can soothe your nervous system? Explore the science behind its stress-relieving power ‘Kids will be trying that in the playground’ – Haaland goal hailed Haaland’s ‘extraordinary’ acrobatic finish for Man City. VideoHaaland’s ‘extraordinary’ acrobatic finish for Man City Liverpool beat Leipzig to continue perfect Champions League start. VideoLiverpool beat Leipzig to continue perfect Champions League start Promise unfulfilled – inside Mourinho’s Man Utd reign ‘It was a relief when my ex-footballer husband died after CTE’ ‘Almost unbeatable’ – so will Liverpool turn wins and records into trophies? How Rodgers earned ‘one of his best results’ in Atalanta draw Duran ‘on fire’ but under Emery’s ‘control’ Calafiori injury ‘a worry’ as Arsenal have ‘questions to answer’ ‘Extraordinary’ Vinicius Jr ‘will win Ballon d’Or’ Who are the Commonwealth Games winners and losers? Urdu, prayer & grandma – Bashir & Ahmed in Pakistan La Liga wants Barcelona v Atletico in Miami Ex-Man Utd striker Forlan to make ATP tennis debut What does the future hold for Girona after their sudden rise? Mahomes & Washington star in best plays of week seven. VideoMahomes & Washington star in best plays of week seven F1 Q&A: Why was Norris penalised and not Verstappen at US Grand Prix? ‘We lost our local fans, we lost our beautiful stadium, we lost our city’ Rabada takes 300th Test wicket – how does he compare? Benitez praises ‘fantastic’ Jones performance for Liverpool. VideoBenitez praises ‘fantastic’ Jones performance for Liverpool © 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.

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