'It would be special' to become inaugural WTC winners – Tim Southee
New Zealand's understated bowling phenomenon, Tim Southee, reached the milestone of 300 Test wickets against Pakistan in December last year – he was only the second Blackcaps pacer to achieve this feat after the legendary Richard Hadlee.
Southee, the kingpin of the New Zealand attack, leads the charts for most wickets in the ICC World Test Championship as well, with 51 scalps.
Tim Southee picks up his 300th wicket 🙌
— ICC (@ICC) December 29, 2020
He has Haris Sohail dismissed for nine to reach the milestone!#NZvPAK SCORECARD ▶️ https://t.co/LMlsERb5mp pic.twitter.com/YeBgBMMt9t
In conditions expected to aid seam bowling in England, Tim Southee believes New Zealand have enough variety in their attack to trouble India in the marquee event.
“I suppose we have four guys offering different things," Southee told The Guardian. "Trent Boult and I with left-arm/right-arm swing, Neil Wagner’s madness, and Kyle [Jamieson] coming in at 6ft 8in adding a new dimension. We just enjoy each other’s success and try to push for wins.
"I just think it helps that Neil is half-mad. He’ll send down 10 overs of bouncers and he just keeps coming; a relentless workhorse who you love to have on your side."
Coach Gary Stead speaking to the media today about the @englandcricket squad for the two Test series starting at the @HomeOfCricket on Wednesday. #ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/VWxPrWwz5N
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) May 31, 2021
Southee was also effusive in his praise for Jamieson, who has had a sensational start to his Test career, with 36 wickets in six Tests. “A guy who bowls from 6ft 8in will only enhance any attack like ours," said Southee. "He’s a great kid and driven to improve. He swings the ball and always asks questions, bowling a full length. He’s invaluable with the bat too – a massive asset for the side.”
As for his long-time bowling attack partner – Boult and Southee have been team-mates since the ICC Under-19 World Cup in 2008 – Southee credited him for where he is today. “When you take someone out like that – a familiar face – it feels different [Boult will miss the two-Test England series with injury]," said Southee. "But guys will step up. Trent is one of my best mates and if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be where I am today. And I would like to think he would say the same.”
On New Zealand standing on the cusp of World Test Championship glory, Southee remarked: “We’ve come close in a few one-day finals and yeah, for a country of just five million people, it would be pretty special.”