Tim Southee’s spot is in peril as New Zealand considers new bowling scheme

The three-match Test series between New Zealand and India will take place on tour, with the first Test set to start in Bengaluru on October 16. Notably, Tim Southee gave up his captaincy after the squad just suffered a 0-2 loss against Sri Lanka.

The veteran’s position on the team is under jeopardy because of Tom Latham, who is leading the team with experience. With 20 wickets taken at an average of 28.70 during his stint in India, Southee has an outstanding record. Furthermore, he recorded his best numbers (7/64) in Bengaluru 12 years ago.

But the right-arm pacer’s chances of making the playing XI appear slim given that New Zealand is probably going to use two-seamers. It is noteworthy that the two New Zealand seamers, William O’Rourke and Matt Henry, have established themselves as the team’s first picks. Although Southee’s lack of a captaincy position gives the team freedom in the selection process, Kiwi Head Coach Gary Stead did not disclose the details of his chat with the player following the Sri Lanka series.

“Tim and I had a discussion about the reviews at the end of the Test tour and series, and he decided to step down after that. He believed that it would benefit the squad the most. I agreed with his choice regarding that, Stead stated, citing sources.

It enables many players to be given consideration for roles, and as a coach or selector, you are constantly attempting to field what you believe to be the greatest team available. Tim was leading that squad and starting for us as captain, and he made sure that we were always considering the options that would be best for the team moving ahead,” he continued.

Tim Southee is getting closer to the 400-wicket mark.

Tim Southee, on the other hand, is focused on regaining his lost bowling form, which during his lengthy cricket career contributed 382 wickets.

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The former captain of New Zealand will be looking to get back to his old rhythm with the assistance of bowling coach Jacob Oram, as he has the potential to become the second bowler in his country to surpass 400 wickets.