On the opening day of the third Test between New Zealand and England at Seddon Park, Hamilton, New Zealand’s star cricketer Tim Southee who is playing the final Test of?? his career made headlines with a remarkable batting achievement.

Known primarily for his bowling prowess, Southee demonstrated his batting abilities by securing a unique milestone that etched his name in cricketing history. The bowling all-rounder surpassed the legendary Jacques Kallis to climb into the top five players with the most sixes in Tes?t c??ricket.

Tim Southee’s explosive batting

During New Zealand’s first innings, Southee played a short but impactful cameo, smashing 23 runs off just 10 deliveries. His aggressive innings included three towering sixes and a boundary. While his contribution might appear modest on paper, those three sixes propelled Southee into the elite club? of Test cricketers with the most sixes? in their careers. With a career tally of 98 sixes, Southee overtook South African cricket legend Jacques Kallis, who has 97 sixes to his name.

Southee’s achievement also tied him with the West Indies�former explosive opener, Chris Gayle, who similarly holds 98 sixes in Test cricket. Given th?at New Zealand have still one more innings to play in this Test, fans and analysts anticipate that he will soon surpass Gayle and climb even higher in the rankings. This record underlines that while Southee is renowned for his bowling, his batting abilities should?? not be underestimated.

Also WATCH: Tim Southee receives guard of?? honour and standing ovation at Seddon Park in his farewell Test | ENG vs NZ 2024

Southee’s milestone in Test cricket 

Southee reached this milestone in dramatic fashion during his short but impactful innings. Facing Ben Stokes in the 79th over, he smashed a short ball cleanly over mid-wicket for his 96th six. Two balls later, he struck a flat, 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 launched it over deep mid-wicket, bringing his tally to 98 sixes in Test cricket.

His aggressive approach ultimately led to his dismissal, as he attempted another big hit but mistimed it, resulting in a high catch by Brydon Carse off Atkinson’s bowling. Southee’s entertaining knock, though brief, was met with applause from the crowd, acknowledging the milestone he achieved during his stay in the middle.

Also READ: WAT??CH: Tim Southee receives guard of honour and? standing ovation at Seddon Park in his farewell Test | ENG vs NZ 2024

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The five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand is poised to kick off on Friday (January 12), commencing wi??th the inaugural game at Ede??n Park in Auckland.

New Zealand’s recent form and challenges

New Zealand exhibited a commendable performance by clinching the T20I series against Bangladesh at home, albeit facing a rare defeat against them. The return of their regular skipper, Kane Williamson, to the T20I squad after an extended absence is a notable highlight. Williamson, eager to find his form ahead of the fast-approaching T20 World Cup 2024, w?ill aim to swiftly acclimate to the T20 format.

Captaincy dynamics and squad updates

Star all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has been rested, but the recuperation of Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson from injuries ensures their inclusion in the squad. In the absence of Williamson for the third T20I, Mitchell Santner will take charge, leading the New Zealand side, as they ?seek to maintain their winni?ng momentum in the series.

Also READ: PCB announces ap??pointment of a new vice-captain fo?r T20I team ahead of New Zealand tour

New Zealand’s top-choice playing XI for the T20I series against Pakistan:

Openers:

Kane Williamson, a cricketing maestro and the captain, is the linchpin of New Zealand’s batting lineup. Renowned for his composed approach and ability to anchor innings, Williamson brings leadership and consistency to the opening role. Alongside him, Finn Allen, a dynamic and aggressive opener, complements Williamson’s style. Allen’s explosive batting and fearless stroke play make him a potent force at the top, capable of providing quick starts.

Middle-order batters:

Daryl Mitchell, a versatile middle-order batter, is known for his adaptability and calm demeanour under pressure. His capability to play various roles adds depth to the batting unit. Glenn Phillips, a power-hitting sensation, injects aggression into the middle overs. Mark Chapman, a reliable and composed batter, ensures stability. Together, this middle-order trio f??orms a well-rounded combination, adept at building innings and capitalizing on opportunities.

Wicketkeeper and All-rounder:

Mitchell Santner, a seasoned all-rounder, contributes significantly with both bat and ball. His left-arm spin adds a valuable spin option to the attack, and his ability to finish innings with the bat makes him a crucial asset. Tim Seifert known for his explosive batting provides an extra dimension to the team’s balance, potentially strengthening the middle order. Seifert’s adaptability and aggressive style make him a valuable addition to the Blackcaps side. He is also the key contributor behind the stumps with the gloves.

Bowlers:

Matt Henry, a genuine pace bowler, uses swing and seam movement to trouble batter. Adam Milne, another express pace bowler, provides an additional firepower option. Ish Sodhi, a skilful leg-spinner, adds variety to the bowling attack. Tim Southee, the experienced campaigner, leads the pace battery with his ability to swing the ball both ways. Together, this quartet forms a potent and well-rounded bo??wling unit capable of dismantling oppositions.

Also READ: New Zealand announces a strong 13-man squad for Pakistan T20Is; Kane Wil??liamson, Matt Hen?ry return

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