Tim Southee, the captain of New Zealand’s Test team, discussed how prominent players in the world of cricket turn down central contracts in order to free up their schedules for franchise play. The Blackcaps’ inability to play international cricket without some of their most seasoned players is beginning to negatively impact New Zealand cricket due to the club vs country dilemma.
But Tim Southee is optimistic that the cricket boards and the franchise leagues would collaborate and come up with solutions to address the escalating issue.
The right-arm bowler claimed that New Zealand Cricket (NZC) was “trying to come up with what’s best for both parties” prior to the team’s historic one-off Test match against Afghanistan in Greater Noida, India. Although a number of elite New Zealand cricket players have refuted accepting central contracts, Southee is confident in the ability of those who will play for the national team.
Numerous opportunities exist today that did not exist a few years ago. However, for now the focus is on playing for New Zealand and giving it everything we have. cited Southee as stating, “We’ve seen a number of guys who haven’t taken contracts, guys that are sitting on this plane with guys with contracts.”
Notable players who have declined contracts recently include Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, and former captain Kane Williamson. Devon Conway, meanwhile, has chosen to work on a contract basis.
On the other hand, Williamson is part of the Afghanistan Test team, which starts on Monday, September 9. In the next months, New Zealand will play nine Test matches on the subcontinent, with this being the first one. The Blackcaps will play two Tests against Sri Lanka in September after the Test against Afghanistan, and then they will play a three-match Test series against their hosts, India. New Zealand will play England in a three-match home Test series in November and December.
Also Read: Rachin Ravindra muses on his preparation for the India Tests, “A great few days here in Chennai.”
“When you consider the entire situation—six Test matches throughout the subcontinent—it’s thrilling. In my opinion, it’s something we haven’t done yet. For the side, it’s a wonderful challenge,” Southee said.
Home