The veteran right-armer has made the tough decision to step down as test captain.
He probably had to make that call before that call was made for him.
New Zealand Cricket will never come out and say that. It is still haunted by the Ross Taylor-Brendon McCullum captaincy saga, which polarised Black Caps fans.
But it was clear to most seasoned observers that Southee’s spot in the side was no longer guaranteed, especially in the subcontinent where you need only two seamers.
Will O’Rourke has made himself impossible to drop and it was a curious decision not to pick Matt Henry for either test against Sri Lanka.
Quick refresher — Henry took seven for 67 and two for 94 against Australia in his most recent outing in white clothing and has been our best test bowler for a couple of seasons.
The Black Caps’ next challenge is a three-test series in India later this month, and you have to wonder whether Southee will feature much.
He is still one of the country’s best seamers and there was no talk in the announcement Southee was pondering retirement. Quite the opposite.
"Captaining the Black Caps in a format that’s so special to me has been an absolute honour and a privilege," Southee said.
"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."
Tom Latham will take over the captaincy and will lead a 15-strong test squad, including Southee, to India next Friday.
Southee, 35, has claimed 382 wickets in 102 tests and is the Black Caps’ second-leading wicket-taker in the format. Richard Hadlee leads the pack with 431 wickets.
Southee took over the captaincy from Kane Williamson in December 2022 and led the test side to six wins, six losses and two draws in 14 matches.
"I will, as I’ve always done, continue to support my team-mates, especially the exciting young bowlers making their way on the international stage.
"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."
Black Caps coach Gary Stead said Southee had been "a very good leader who is held in high regard by the players and support staff".
"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."
