Former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh sent special message to Tim Southee after the New Zealand pacer announced his retirement from Test cricket. Taking to Instagram, Yuvraj wrote, 'Congratulations on a fantastic career pretty boy. You bowled your heart out on the field be proud of yourself! good luck and see you on the other side mate'.

Tim Southee retires

After announcing his retirement Southee said, "Playing for New Zealand was a dream come true. To do that at a young age was pretty special. Sitting here now, reflecting, it's gone by extremely quickly. Over the next however long, I'll reflect more. It's been a great ride, and there's still a little more to come. But when I took the field in Napier, I certainly didn't think I'd be sitting here 17 years later. It's been a real privilege and honour to fulfil a childhood dream and represent my country," .

Following his retirement from Test cricket, Southee will decide whether to compete in the white-ball series against Sri Lanka after Christmas. He has also expressed his willingness to make himself available for the World Test Championship Final at Lord's next year, should New Zealand qualify for the one-off Test decider.

Look at Tim Southee's legendary career

Southee made his Test debut in March 2008 in the Napier match against England. He emerged as a consistent wicket-taker who could swing the ball both ways. He eventually finished with 391 wickets from 107 Tests at 30.26. His tally included 15 five-wicket hauls and an economy rate of 3.02.

Southee bowed out as the second-highest wicket-taker for New Zealand in Test cricket. He is only behind the legendary Sir Richard Hadlee, who took 431 wickets in the format. Southee also has the distinction of recording 1,000 runs, 50 wickets, and 50 catches in Test cricket.

He took his first five-wicket haul aged 19 years and 102 days (his debut Test). Southee was also a potent batter down the order for the Kiwis in Test cricket. He scored 2,245 runs across 107 Tests, thereby getting the double of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets in the format.