Southee cherishing spearhead role

Fast bowler Tim Southee is relishing a key role among the rest of the New Zealand bowling attack, ahead of next week's second Test against the West Indies at Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad.
Fast bowler Tim Southee is relishing a key role among the rest of the New Zealand bowling attack, ahead of next week's second Test against the West Indies at Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad.
Southee, fellow seamers Trent Boult and Jimmy Neesham – and spinners Mark Craig – were at the fore of a convincing 186-run at Sabina Park in Kingston earlier this month.
While Craig was named Man of the Match for a outstanding figures of eight for 188 on debut, Southee's complementary six for 51 brought a career-best position of fifth in the International Cricket Council's rankings for Test bowlers.
"We have a raw and young bowling attack and it's an exciting attack to be part of. We all bounce ideas off each other, throw things around. There's a lot of stuff that goes on behind the scenes," Southee told the <i>New Zealand Herald</i>.
"Bowling coach Shane Bond and the bowlers set plans for each batsman and it's pleasing to see them come off and know we are doing the right thing behind closed doors.
"Test cricket is tough. You work through spells to try and pick up wickets and you may not get it in the first spell but when you come back and keep applying pressure the rewards will come."
The West Indians, meanwhile, have dropped all-rounder Marlon Samuels and opener Kieran Powell for the second Test. The uncapped Jermaine Blackwood and Leon Johnson have, instead, been called up.
Latest
-
News
Joe Root ready to have a ball in Sri Lanka
The England captain could find himself pressed into use as a third spinner with Moeen Ali in isolation.
-
News
Steve Smith debate has been “blown up” says England all-rounder Chris Woakes
The former Australia captain was filmed scratching at the batting crease while fielding against India.
-
News
Moeen Ali coronavirus quarantine extended after mild symptoms
The England all-rounder is now unlikely to feature in England’s Test series in Sri Lanka.
-
News
Australia go on the defensive over Steve Smith scuffing saga
Australia have closed ranks around Steve Smith, who is upset over being painted as a villain following the drawn third Test against India.
-
News
On This Day in 1996: Dickie Bird announces retirement from umpiring
Bird umpired in 66 Tests and 69 one-day internationals.
-
News
Dan Lawrence adamant he will stick to ‘unique’ batting technique in Test arena
The 23-year-old should make his Test debut when England start their two-match series against Sri Lanka.
-
News
Steve Smith criticised for appearing to scuff Rishabh Pant’s guard in third Test
Former Australia captain Steve Smith was branded “childish” after an incident during the final day of their drawn third Test against India
-
News
Tim Paine admits he let the Australian bowlers down
Australia captain Tim Paine believes he was at least partially to blame for his side failing to bowl India.
-
News
Testing times on tour in Sri Lanka – the life of an international cricketer
Gloucestershire’s James Bracey is on his first overseas tour with England. Here he writes about his experiences so far in Sri Lanka.
-
News
India salvage unlikely draw in third Test against Australia
India salvaged an unlikely draw as the third Test against Australia reached a thrilling finale.