When it comes to playing in the longest format of the game, New Zealand’s Test captain Tim Southee is eager to lead from the front. After a gap of almost nine months, the Black Caps will step onto the field in red-ball cricket against Bangladesh in the opening game of the two-match Test series starting Tuesday (November 28) in Sylhet. Despite the hiatus in the format, Southee appeared enthusiastic about the team’s energy and intent in Test cricket.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference on the eve of the game, Southee said, “There is a lot of desire for Test cricket among the players. They say it is the pinnacle of the game. Whenever we play Test cricket, it is always special. We enjoy Test cricket and give it priority.”
“The start of a new cycle is exciting. It is a challenging place to play Test cricket. Bangladesh is strong in these conditions. We played Test cricket at the beginning of the year. The last cycle did not go according to our plan. People involved in the first WTC cycle know how special it is to perform well in this championship.”
Despite the challenges posed by home conditions, New Zealand has demonstrated adaptability to Asian conditions and pitches. However, in limited-overs cricket compared to Tests, the adaptability is tested more due to the dynamics of the shorter format. With hopes of spinners getting assistance from Bangladesh’s conditions, the visiting team has strengthened its spin bowling options. Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi are frontline spinners, while Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra are all-rounders who can bolster New Zealand’s team with both bat and ball. Additionally, Glenn Phillips could make a debut in the eleven, especially considering the dominance of left-handed batsmen in Bangladesh. However, Southee has not revealed his cards yet.
“We have paid some attention to the wicket. Not many Test matches have been played here. So, there is not a lot of information and statistics to go by. I think we are expecting a good surface. Spin will definitely play a role in the match. We played in Pakistan at the start of the year. People now have experience in subcontinent conditions.”
“Compared to New Zealand, foreign conditions are different. The pace in New Zealand plays a significant role. Spin historically plays a significant role in this part of the world. Our spinners have done some excellent things in Test cricket. We are looking forward to their performance,” said Southee.
Bangladesh will be without their two star players, Shakib Al Hasan and Liton Das, for the series. While Liton recently suffered an injury during the concluded T20 World Cup, he has been granted a month’s paternity leave after receiving the blessing of a child. Clearly, the absence of these key players has left the home team concerned. While Southee acknowledged the advantage it gives to his team, he wasn’t too eager to delve into details about the missing players.
“Shakib has been a great player for Bangladesh for a long time. Liton Das is a class player. He has performed well against us in the past. I think their absence is their loss. It gives an opportunity to other players.”
For New Zealand’s cricketers, it has been a busy year, playing in India for the IPL and then preparing for the World Cup. The core of the New Zealand team has been on the road for some time, and physical fatigue is inevitable. However, South Africa believes that the current schedule is something they have to deal with and is keen to start their new cycle positively, as winning in Asia will significantly boost the team’s morale on a large scale.
“It’s been a busy time. We were in Bangladesh and England before the World Cup. Being an international cricketer is just a part of it. Anyone who plays all three formats has to accept that it’s a busy time. We are fortunate to get breaks here and there. It’s an important time for us, the start of the Test Championship cycle. It’s a big milestone for people on the road. But it’s a big shock for a few weeks to come back and play in our summers in New Zealand.”
After winning the inaugural WTC cycle in 2021, New Zealand had a disappointing campaign in the last World Test Championship cycle. Much of it was due to the inadequacy on away tours, and the decisive Test loss to Bangladesh at home did not provide much help. While discussions about the return have reduced, New Zealand will be eager to start their new cycle positively as winning a series in Asia will be a significant morale boost for the Black Caps. Southee knows that the task is challenging, but he has backed his team to navigate through the acid test.
“Getting points is not as easy as you say. We know Bangladesh is a great team in these conditions. I will imagine a hard-fought Test series. I think we will look to scrutinize closely at the wicket. A little help will be there in the morning. When you play at this time of the year, you get that. We are taking training a bit early. So, the wickets are good for training.”
“What we play in New Zealand is a different role than here. We have three fast bowlers here who offer different strengths. Wherever you play in the world, it is a collective bowling unit. Everyone bowls differently. Spin does not play a significant role in New Zealand, but they will play a significant role in Bangladesh.”