Tim Southee
A New Zealand swing bowler with a devilish grin who terrorized batters for over a decade with his cunning and late-order hitting.
Born 1988 (age 38)·New Zealand cricketer·Birthday: December 11·Millennials
Biography
Tim Southee announced himself to the cricketing world with a bang, not a whimper. As a raw 19-year-old on Test debut against England in 2008, he didn't just take a five-wicket haul; he bludgeoned 77 runs from 40 balls, a display of audacious hitting that became his signature. Over the next sixteen years, the boy from Whangarei evolved into the heart of New Zealand's attack, a master of swing and seam in all conditions. His partnership with Trent Boult became one of the most potent and celebrated in modern cricket, a left-arm-right-arm combination that dismantled top orders worldwide. Southee's leadership, often understated but fiercely competitive, saw him captain the side across formats, guiding the Black Caps with a blend of tactical nous and that ever-present, slightly mischievous smile. He retired as one of New Zealand's greatest wicket-takers, a player who defined an era of Kiwi cricket success.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Tim was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Tim Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Tim's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the third New Zealand bowler to take 300 wickets in Test cricket.
- Captained the New Zealand national cricket team in Test, ODI, and T20I formats.
- Played a pivotal role in New Zealand winning the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021.
- Took a five-wicket haul and scored a explosive 77 runs on his Test debut against England in 2008.
Did You Know?
He made his first-class debut for Northern Districts at the age of 17.
Southee is known for his love of farming and often returns to work on the family farm during the off-season.
He holds the record for the most sixes hit by a New Zealand player in Test cricket.
“It's about trying to enjoy it as well. It's a game of cricket at the end of the day.”
