Southee sent off in style as New Zealand jump to fourth on WTC standings

New Zealand v England, Scorecard

Retiring fast bowler Tim Southee received a perfect sendoff from Test cricket as New Zealand clinched an emphatic 423-run triumph over England in the third Test in Hamilton on Tuesday.

Southee had already indicated a desire to retire from the longest format at the completion of the Test series against England and the veteran right-armer finished his Test career in style as the Black Caps dismissed England for just 234 on Tuesday to clinch an easy victory.

Commending Southee on his career and elaborating on his legacy, New Zealand skipper Tom Latham said, "Wickets, runs, and sixes speak for themselves but the legacy Timmy is leaving will be a pleasing one for him. The person he is, we'll miss his attributes on the field.

"A great team man. The guys love playing with him. Been so long, 17 years, half his life. We're certainly leaving one of the greats behind but I'm sure he has a bright future ahead of him, whatever that may be and I'd like to congratulate him."

While England had already clinched the series with wins from the opening two matches, the victory for New Zealand saw them rise above their European counterparts and claim fourth place on the latest ICC World Test Championship standings.

World Test Championship Standings

New Zealand and England have both completed their World Test Championship campaigns and are out of contention for next year's final, with the Kiwis left to rue disappointing defeats from the opening two matches of this series.

England too will be frustrated at some inconsistent results throughout their campaign, as they fall to sixth on the standings and behind both New Zealand (fourth) and Sri Lanka in fifth.

Southee picked up a pair of wickets during England's second innings to finish his career with 391 Test scalps, with teammates Mitchell Santner (4/85) and Matt Henry (2/62) doing the majority of the damage to offset half-centuries from Jacob Bethell (76) and Joe Root (54).

Santner was adjudged Player of the Match in his first appearance of the series for his seven wickets and 125 runs across the two innings, while Harry Brook was named Player of the Series for his 350 runs over the three contests.