Tim Southee looking forward to India series after Sydney Test snub

The New Zealand seamer has moved on after having been dropped for the final Test against Australia earlier in January.

Published : Jan 22, 2020 18:17 IST , Auckland

Southee is expected to lead the Kiwi bowling attack in the five-match T20I series against India.
Southee is expected to lead the Kiwi bowling attack in the five-match T20I series against India.
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Southee is expected to lead the Kiwi bowling attack in the five-match T20I series against India.

Tim Southee, New Zealand’s veteran seamer, is “looking forward” to the India challenge, having brushed aside the disappointment of being dropped for the final Test against Australia earlier this month.

After playing in the first four Tests of the summer — two against England at home and two in Australia — he was dropped for the New Year’s match in Sydney, replaced by Matt Henry in the playing XI. “It’s about making that adjustment. What’s gone is gone and it was very disappointing, the guys would have learnt from it, and now we’ve got to look forward to the Indian series,” Southee was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz .

Coach Gary Stead said it was felt Henry would offer more pace than Southee.

‘Disappointing’

But the 31-year-old is expected to lead the New Zealand attack when the five-match Twenty20 series against India starts at Eden Park on Friday. He said he was disappointed not to have played in Sydney but has moved on.

“It’s disappointing. You’re gutted every time you’re left out. It’s an absolute dream to play for [New Zealand] and every time you do miss out it hurts, but you’ve got to respect the decisions and try to help out and give back to the team, even when you’re not playing,” he said.

Also Read | Taylor: Kiwis ready to tackle India at home after Australia whitewash

Southee was one of four players to play in all 12 of New Zealand’s T20I matches last year and captained the side in nine of them, with Kane Williamson rested for one at the start of the year. Williamson got injured when the team visited Sri Lanka and hosted England.

‘Different challenge’

The regular skipper is set to make his first international appearance in the T20 format since last summer on Friday, and Southee says he will offer him whatever support he needs. “I enjoy thinking about the game and it makes you think outside of what you’re doing,” he said of his experience as captain.

“I also try to help Kane out as well — it’s nice to have those senior guys [helping you] and Ross [Taylor] was good having captained the side in the past. It’s a different challenge when you captain and it’s something I enjoyed, but Kane’s doing a great job, so I’ll just try to help him out.”

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