The New Zealand red-ball skipper, Tim Southee, is rather pleased with the Blackcaps going into this busy nine-Test period. Of those, the first six will be of special interest since all those are scheduled to take place on the sub-continental soil. First, it will be the historic encounter-the first-ever Test match between New Zealand and Afghanistan- scheduled for next week in Greater Noida. This will be a perfect start for the Kiwis’ significant challenge, to adapt nicely and do better in conditions that are way too different from the home turf.
Following the one-off Test match against Afghanistan, the Kiwis will travel to Galle, where they will face hosts Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series. That will be followed by the much-anticipated three-match Test series against India, a quality opponent under the charismatic Rohit Sharma. Always an optimist, Southee says his team is ready for the stern challenge lying ahead. The all-rounder has also called on fans to support the team in this important period as they hope to leave a mark on Asian soil.
A video uploaded by New Zealand Cricket recorded Southee as saying, “Taking a look at the schedule as a whole, six Test matches in the subcontinent is a pretty exciting challenge. We’ve had a few guys playing their cricket, other guys in and around camps back in New Zealand, so everyone is dying to get into the test cricket. It’s an exciting time for the test side, and we hope the fan followers will get behind us as we take on this challenging stretch.”
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New Zealand have named five spinners in their squad to take on Afghanistan in the looming Test, preparing for subcontinental conditions. Fast bowlers Will O’Rourke and Ben Sears also appear in line to make their Test debuts on foreign soil after representing New Zealand in home conditions.
Welcome @BlackCaps
Video: The New Zealand team has arrived at the hotel in Greater Noida, India, for the one-off Test match against Afghanistan’s national team.#AfghanAtalan | #AFGvNZ | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/UlQApG5UXP
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) September 5, 2024
Tim Southee acknowledged Afghanistan’s growing prowess especially in the wake of their success in the T20 and ODI formats. “They’re relatively new to red-ball cricket, but we’ve seen their potential in other formats. Afghanistan have had some great success and I’m sure they’re keen to translate that into the longer format as well.”
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Southee spoke of his personal preparations, too, pleased to be back into Test cricket after a decent spell in The Hundred 2024 with Birmingham Phoenix. “Everyone’s in good shape. I’ve had a mix of rest and playing, including some time in the UK. Now, I’m really looking forward to getting back to Test cricket.”
The New Zealand team has already reached Greater Noida to be ahead of the Afghan test scheduled to start on Monday, September 9.
