Tim Southee isn’t part of IPL 2024 and is using the off-season to formulate
his game plan for the three-Test series against India in October.
The New Zealand captain knows they have never won a Test series in India and the enormity of the task involved. They play two Tests in Sri Lanka in September which will allow Southee’s men to get somewhat accustomed to the conditions but India is a different ball game.
“Yeah, it’s a tough place to play. Obviously, India are a very strong team for a start and they have been at home for a long time. I think the conditions for us as New Zealanders are so foreign,” Southee, 35, told The Telegraph from New Zealand.
“Here, pace and bounce is something that we’re used to. And you go to India and you are challenged with spin from Day I. Also, reverse swing rather than conventional swing and then throw in the heat and things you have to deal with as well.
“But all the players love going to India to challenge yourself against the best and I guess foreign conditions. India are one of the best sides in the world in their own conditions. So, yeah, it’s always a challenge the guys look forward to.”
Southee knows the IPL will help the likes of Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner and Daryl Mitchell get accustomed to the conditions. There’s also Kane Williamson while the injured Devon Conway has had a feel of the T20 league earlier.
“I guess players from around the world are able to experience playing in subcontinent conditions and particularly Indian conditions when they go and play the IPL. I think the IPL has been massive for cricket in general,” said Southee, the owner of 380 Test wickets from exactly a 100 matches.
“I think you’re seeing the talented cricketers coming through India. There’s always guys just having breakout years, youngsters having the opportunity to play alongside overseas players, overseas players getting the chance to play alongside other overseas players you never thought you’d play with... Gaining the experience of playing in India.
“We saw its utility through the ODI World Cup. Sides which had a number of guys that have had a number of years in the IPL benefited from their experiences in those conditions. It’s a good thing for people to be able to gain those experiences in that part of the world.”
What is tougher for Southee: playing Australia in Australia or taking on Rohit Sharma’s team in their own backyard?
“I think it’s tough to single out one. I think as players, you want to challenge yourself against the best. And those two sides have been the best for a number of years and especially in their own conditions,” the fast bowler said in a chat facilitated through Sony Sports Network which recently acquired the broadcast rights of New Zealand Cricket for seven years.
“I’ve toured both places a number of times and haven’t had a lot of success. And so I think when you do go to those parts of the world, to have success it takes something special,” he said.
