New Zealand's Tim Southee is set to make the third Test against England his final appearance in the format, marking the end of an illustrious career in Test cricket. However, he will remain available for selection if the Black Caps qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final next year.

Tim Southee has announced England’s tour of New Zealand starting this month will be his last in the test arena. It comes after the 35-year-old stepped down as test captain last month, with Tom Latham taking up the mantle fulltime.

Former New Zealand captain Tim Southee said Friday the team's upcoming Test series with England would be his last, with the 35-year-old set to finish up at his home ground in Hamilton. "So to be able to play such a big series against the same opponent my Test career began against all those years ago,

Tim Southee is the second-leading wicket-taker for New Zealand in Test cricket history. The right-arm medium pacer has bagged 385 scalps in his Test career and is only behind the legendary Sir Richard Hadlee on the all-time chart.

Veteran Southee also announced that he will make a decision on his white-ball swansong before New Zealand host Sri Lanka at the end of December.

Southee said it "feels right" to sign off from Test cricket after playing the team he debuted against as a teenager

New Zealand paceman Tim Southee is eyeing the third test against England as his swan song in the format but will make himself available for selection if the Black Caps make the World Test Championship (WTC) final next year.