Former New Zealand captain Tim Southee will be at the center of selection discussions ahead of the first Test against India, with the visitors pondering the balance of attack against Bengaluru and weighing whether to play three quick plays.
Southee stepped down from the captaincy following last month’s 2-0 defeat at Sri Lanka and is likely to lose his place in the playing XI straight away after this year’s breakout run of form in which he took eight wickets at 73.12.
Although he is struggling to find the “snap” in his bowling action, he boasts a handy record for India with 20 wickets at 28:70, including his career-best 7 for 64 in Bengaluru 12 years ago. But his position will likely be scrutinized either way. The way New Zealand structures their bowling attack.
If they pick just two quicks, Matt Henry has a strong case for his impressive partner Will O’Rourke in Sri Lanka, while if they play three, the choice is between the experience of Southee or the added speed of the big-time performer Ben Sears. It will be. In his debut match against Australia last March.
Coach Gary Stead said discussions between him and Southee after the Sri Lanka series would remain private, but admitted they were “delicate” and that Southee was not captain, allowing greater flexibility in selection.
“As with all Test tours and series we have a review at the end and after Tim and I had a chat about it he decided to stand down,” Stead said. “He thought it was in the best interest of the team. I supported his decision on that.”
“It allows a variety of players to be considered for roles, and as a selector and coach you’re always trying to put what you think is the best team out there. With Tim as captain, he’s been the one to start and lead for us. We “I think we’re always looking at the best options for the team moving forward.”
Another factor related to New Zealand’s attacking balance is its impact on low batting averages. Mitchell Santner batted at number 8 against Sri Lanka and Michael Bracewell will be another spin bowling option but Bengaluru were found to help their fast bowlers and three quicks were selected. Henry or Southee should then take over the chipping role. Some orders will be suspended.
“Both hit 50, so it’s a balance that New Zealand can think of more, especially if it’s sailing-friendly,” Stead said. “The first thing we want to do here is get bowlers who we think can take 20 wickets.”
Southee is working with bowling coach Jacob Oram to try and rediscover his wicket-taking form and is on the verge of becoming only the second New Zealand bowler to study video of his successful period in his career, taking 382 Test wickets so far. Up to 400.
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“From my conversations with Tim, he recognized that he didn’t do his best, but he doesn’t want to go back,” Stead said. “He’s working hard behind the scenes, doing everything he can and trying to rediscover what little things he’s missing.
“There are a few little technical things that Tim is working on. He’s been working on it with (Jacob) Oram. We’ve looked back quite a bit on videos from the last few years where he’s been playing and having success in India. We’re trying to rediscover that and look at it a little bit. “If you look for it, I think you can say it goes back to his actions.”
Stead added that Will Young is likely to bat at number 3 in the first Test in the absence of Kane Williamson, who is recovering from a groin injury. There remains hope that Williamson could be called up for the first few days of the Bengaluru game and feature in the second Test.
India will be without Mohammed Shami, but Stead noted the depth of talent India could call upon. “I don’t think if there are injuries it doesn’t affect them like it does in other teams, other people who are just as good can come in,” he said. “They have numbers to call, but they are very skilful and they are an experienced team with a lot of Test caps. They play a brand of cricket here that makes it very difficult for you, but that is the challenge that lies ahead for us.”
