Tim Southee stepped down as Test captain: After losing the Test series 0-2 against Sri Lanka, there has been an upheaval in New Zealand cricket. New Zealand Test cricket team captain Tim Southee has taken a big decision and has decided to leave the captaincy of the team. Tim Southee has said that he has taken the decision keeping in mind the better interest of the team.

Let us tell you, New Zealand is now going to tour India and before that Southee's decision to leave the captaincy is very important. After Tim Southee, Tom Latham will take over the captaincy of the team.

Tim Southee, who became the Test captain of New Zealand after Kane Williamson left the captaincy in the year 2022, has led the team in 14 Test matches. During this, the team has won six while lost six while two matches were drawn. Southee has played 102 Tests for the BLACKCAPS since debuting in 2008, claiming 382 wickets.

New Zealand gave a tough fight to Sri Lanka in the first Test at Galle, but the team eventually lost the match. After this, New Zealand was reduced to just 88 runs in the first innings of the second Test played on the same ground. New Zealand had to face an innings defeat in the second Test. New Zealand's next assignment is a three-Test series in India later this month.

Tim Southee said on leaving the captaincy "Captaining the BLACKCAPS in a format that’s so special to me, has been an absolute honour and a privilege,”

“I’ve always tried to put the team first throughout my career and I believe this decision is the best for the team" he said.

“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" Southee added.

New Zealand Gary Stead acknowledged Southee’s contribution to the Test team.

“Tim’s a fantastic player and a very good leader who is held in high regard by the players and support staff,” Stead said.

On the other hand 32-year-old Tom Latham has got the command of the Kiwi team for the second time. Earlier, he had performed this responsibility from the year 2020 to 2022. Then he captained the team in 9 Tests. After getting the captaincy, he said, 'It is a matter of great honor and pride to captain the Black Caps in the format that is most special to me.

Now Tom Latham will leading New Zealand on a tour of India for a three-match test series. The first Test is set to begin on October 16 in Bengaluru.