Xtra Time Web Desk: New Zealand’s experienced pacer Tim Southee on Friday said the two test matches against England will be an ideal preparation for them ahead of the ICC World Test Championship Final next month at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. Southee, who will be on his fourth tour to England is not too worried about the prospect of playing three test matches in a short span of time.
“It’s exciting to play three Test matches in a short space of time. It is something that the team doesn’t get to do that often. We’ve come off a bit of a break, which has been nice, and (we have) been able to get some conditioning into our bodies, the guys that have come from the IPL and are going to be playing some cricket,” said Southee during a virtual press conference from his hotel room in Southampton.
He added, “The guys are refreshed in some sort of way, using the next couple of weeks to get ourselves prepared and ready to play three Test matches. They are in quick succession but we have had a chance to prepare physically leading into this with some strength and conditioning stuff. Now, it’s just getting our loads to a point over the coming weeks so that we can rock on to those three Test matches.”
Southee stressed on the importance of getting into a good rhythm in the two tests against England ahead of the WTC Final.
“I think anytime you get a chance to play a Test match for New Zealand, it’s an amazing opportunity and it’s something that you treasure, so I don’t think you would treat them as warm-ups. It’s a two-match Test series against England and so our focus is first and foremost on those two matches against England.”
“For us, it is great to have those matches in the lead-in to the final that follows on afterwards. It’s great preparation for the final but in saying that, for us it’s a two-match Test series that we’re really looking forward to, and the quality English opposition in these conditions,” said Southee.
New Zealand will play the first test against England at Lords from June 02 followed by the second test at Edgbaston starting June 10.