New Zealand skipper Tim Southee to not feature in all upcoming subcontinent Test matches

Tim Southee. (Photo by Philip Brown/Popperfoto/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

New Zealand’s Test skipper Tim Southee might face challenges in the upcoming subcontinent tours. As the Black Caps prepare for a series of Tests against Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and India, Southee’s role in the playing XI is not guaranteed for all matches.

The New Zealand cricket team is set to begin their packed Test schedule in the subcontinent, starting with a one-off Test against Afghanistan, followed by two matches against Sri Lanka, and three Tests against India.

Head coach Gary Stead has announced a 15-player squad that consists of spin-bowling options, looking at the expected conditions in these countries. The decision to potentially exclude Southee from some matches comes from the unique challenges of subcontinent pitches.

“Test tours to the subcontinent can ask some really tough questions of pace bowlers due to the nature of the pitches and the heat and humidity,” head coach Gary Stead said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

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The pacer’s recent performance in home Tests, where he picked only six wickets in four matches last season, may have influenced this decision. In Southee’s potential absence, vice-captain Tom Latham would take the leadership role.

“While we’re going over with an open mind around conditions, there is an understanding that all our bowling options may be needed across the different Tests. Tim and I have discussed this, and the need during these overseas tours to balance the workloads of the pace-bowlers, including himself, to ensure the team is best served,” Stead added.

The squad has five spin-bowling options with the return of off-spin all-rounder Michael Bracewell after an 18-month gap from Test cricket. Stead opened up on Bracewell’s importance.

Complementing Southee in the fast bowling department are Matt Henry and the two newcomers, Ben Sears and Will O’Rourke. Kyle Jamieson remains unavailable for selection as he continues to recover from a back stress fracture. “It’s always great when young guys force their way into squads through performance and I know Will and Ben are really looking forward to the challenges of Test cricket in the sub-continent,” Stead concluded.

The Board has called former Pakistani spinner Saqlain Mushtaq to join as bowling coach for the three away Tests and former England wicketkeeper James Foster as an assistant coach.