Six Test matches in subcontinent will be great challenge for us: New Zealand captain Tim Southee

Tim Southee, the captain of the red ball team, stated his excitement ahead of the nine Test matches that New Zealand will play, particularly the first six that will take place in the subcontinent. Next week, in Greater Noida, the Kiwis will play their inaugural Test match against Afghanistan to begin their red-ball campaign in the subcontinent.

Following the one-off match against the Blue Tigers, New Zealand will travel to Galle for a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. The Blackcaps’ three-match Test series against Rohit Sharma and company in India will ultimately mark the conclusion of their subcontinental tour. In an effort to have a significant effect on Asian soil, Southee asked the supporters to back the team and has faith that his players will rise to the task.

“Yes, I believe it’s interesting when you consider the six Test matches that are being played in the subcontinent. Fantastic task for the side. Some of the guys here have been playing cricket. A few men have participated in our camps held in New Zealand. We are therefore excited to sneak into some Test cricket. In a video released by the official New Zealand cricket account, Southee stated, “It is an exciting time for the Test side, and I guess the Test fans to get in behind the side for nine test matches in a short space of time.”

Check the post below:

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

For their one and only test match against Afghanistan, New Zealand selected five spinners for their side. Fast bowlers Ben Sears and Will O’Rourke, who have already played for the national squad in whites at home, will be playing their first Tests abroad.

Although they are still relatively new to the red ball format, we have seen what a team they can be in other formats. Recently, during the One-Day World Cup in the T20 World Cup last year. As a nation, they undoubtedly want to succeed in the lengthier format as well, as they have had some incredible success in the previous two formats, according to Southee.

After a successful run with Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred 2024, the right-arm seamer discussed his preparations and stated that he is keen to perform well in the game’s longest format. “Yes, all is well. We had a little mix-up between vacations and, of course, travelled to the UK. I had a few camps here in addition to playing in The Hundred. Thus, I’m excited to resume playing Test cricket.”

Also Read: Tim Southee on the ‘changing landscape’ of cricket: -‘Plenty of offers out there that weren’t around years ago’

In the meantime, on Thursday, September 5, the New Zealand team checked into the team hotel in Greater Noida. Monday, September 9 is when the one-time test starts.