Leading a national cricket team as a pace bowler is a rare honour. Australia, for instance, took 144 years to appoint a pacer as a regular captain.
Recently, in a Test series against New Zealand, Tim Southee, a pace bowler with a remarkable career spanning over a decade, found himself alongside Pat Cummins for the toss, relishing the experience.
Southee, who debuted at the age of 19 in 2008, reflects on the challenges and joys of captaincy. In a recent interview with Sportstar, he expressed gratitude for having the likes of Kane Williamson and Tom Latham in the team.
“I enjoy thinking about the game, and it can also be challenging at times,” Southee told Sportstar on Friday. “And I have been lucky to have in the side, Kane Williamson and Tom Latham – two guys that have both captained.”
Tim Southee’s Challenges & Opportunities Against India
Acknowledging the strength of the Indian team, particularly at home, Southee emphasizes the importance of performing well in such demanding conditions.
Despite the challenges posed by Indian pitches, he views the upcoming series as a significant opportunity for New Zealand to showcase their capabilities in Test cricket.
“We know it is a tough place to go and play, and India is so strong at home,” said the swing bowler, who has 380 Test wickets. “The conditions can be challenging, but it is a place that we are looking forward to going to. I guess it is a massive opportunity to do well in such a tough place for Test cricket.”
Furthermore, Southee lauds the emergence of talented Indian pacers, notably Mayank Yadav, whose impressive performances in IPL 2024 have garnered attention worldwide.
He commends Yadav’s control over his pace, highlighting it as a distinguishing feature compared to other fast bowlers. Southee expresses keen interest in monitoring Yadav’s progress beyond the IPL season.
Also Read: IPL 2024 | LSG Pacer Shivam Mavi Ruled Out Due To Injury
The Impact of Tim Southee and White-Ball Cricket
Southee also praises his fellow bowler, Trent Boult, for his consistent impact in white-ball cricket, particularly in utilizing the movement available in the initial overs.
Despite the challenges of swinging the white ball for an extended period, Boult’s ability to capitalize on the early movement has been remarkable, as evidenced by his impressive statistics in the first over.
Tim Southee’s insights offer a glimpse into the world of cricket leadership and the challenges and opportunities faced by players in international competition.
With a series against India on the horizon and promising talents like Mayank Yadav emerging, the cricketing world eagerly awaits the unfolding of new chapters in the sport.
About Author
Zartash Zulfiqar is a passionate cricket writer with a love for cricket that shines through in every word. From match analyses to player profiles, she delivers insightful commentary that resonates with fans worldwide. Stay tuned for the latest from the world of cricket, brought to you by Zartash.
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