Tim Southee Anticipates Success for Indian Bowlers in Upcoming New Zealand Series
Tim Southee's Insights on India's Fast Bowlers
A file image of Tim Southee
Guwahati, Oct 16: Tim Southee, the renowned New Zealand cricketer, is confident that India's pace attack will excel during their upcoming multi-format series in New Zealand, commencing on October 22.
The series will kick off with three T20 matches, followed by three ODIs starting November 4, and concluding with a two-Test series beginning November 19.
Southee, who led New Zealand in all formats before his retirement in 2024, expressed particular interest in watching Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna adapt to New Zealand's playing conditions.
“When I observe that bowling lineup, Mohammed Siraj stands out for me. His energy and relentless approach make him a bowler who can achieve significant success here,” Southee remarked during a virtual interview organized by a sports network.
India's ODI squad features Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, and Arshdeep Singh among the pace options, with veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar making a return to the T20I team after a lengthy absence.
Southee noted Krishna's recent achievements in Test cricket, making him another player to keep an eye on during the series.
“Prasidh Krishna and others have shown promise in the Test arena recently, which is thrilling for them,” he added.
While New Zealand is known for its swing and seam-friendly conditions, Southee warned against the assumption that these conditions will always favor bowlers.
“People often associate New Zealand with swing and seam, but that's not always the case. The Kookaburra ball and the pitch conditions can become quite flat after the initial days. However, I believe the Indian bowlers are accustomed to playing on flatter surfaces as well,” he explained.
Southee is optimistic that India's bowlers will rise to the occasion.
“I think they'll relish the challenge of bowling in New Zealand, where conditions may offer some assistance to them,” he stated.
Having concluded his international career with 776 wickets, the highest for a New Zealand bowler, Southee's 391 Test wickets rank second only to Sir Richard Hadlee’s 431.
When asked about the qualities that distinguish a great bowler from a good one, Southee emphasized the importance of consistent performance across various conditions.
“Great players, whether bowlers or batsmen, can perform globally in diverse conditions,” he noted.
“It's one thing to excel in familiar conditions, but the true test for great players is their ability to adapt and succeed worldwide. This is the essence of being an international player, facing a multitude of conditions,” he elaborated.
Southee also pointed out the significance of impacting a game even when conditions are not favorable.
“Great players find ways to succeed in different countries and during various phases of the game,” he remarked.
“They can create opportunities even when the game seems stagnant. These attributes are what separate good players from great ones,” he concluded.
The T20I series will commence in Wellington on October 22, followed by the ODIs in Napier on November 4, and the Test series will begin in Christchurch on November 19.