Former New Zealand captain Tim Southee said on Friday the team’s next Test series with England will be their last, with the 35-year-old set to finish at his home ground in Hamilton.

The irrepressible bowler made his debut against England in Napier in 2008 and has been a mainstay ever since, taking 385 wickets in 104 Tests — second only to Richard Hadlee (431) among New Zealanders.

“Representing New Zealand was everything I dreamed of growing up,” Southee said.

“But it feels like the right time to step away from the game that has given me so much.

“Test cricket holds a special place in my heart,” he added.

“So to be able to play such a big series against the same opposition that started my Test career all those years ago, and for three reasons that are incredibly special to me, it feels like the perfect way to end my the time with the black cap”.

Southee led the team to six wins, six losses and two draws after taking over from Kane Williamson in 2022, before handing over the baton last month to Tom Latham, who led them to a 3-0 Test win in India.

Southee’s skills and consistency made him the only player in the world to claim more than 300 Test wickets, 200 ODI wickets and 100 T20 wickets.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink hailed him as one of the country’s best players.

“Tim has been a constant in improving the Blackcaps’ fortunes and will be remembered as a giant of the modern New Zealand game,” he said.

“Tim has an incredible bank of experience and knowledge of the game and while he may have called time on his playing career, I’d be surprised if we don’t see him in another capacity at some point in the future .”

Southee will make a decision after England’s three-Test series, starting in Christchurch on November 28, if he has a final farewell with the white ball in him.

New Zealand face Sri Lanka in three ODIs and three T20s at home from December 28.

Blackcaps coach Gary Stead said Southee’s record spoke for itself.

“Tim’s durability and resilience has been remarkable,” he said.

“He is an incredibly tough competitor who rises to the occasion and is rarely injured.

“Tim cares deeply about the team, its reputation and its performance, and he will be missed in the Blackcaps environment.”