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Tim Southee To Be Ignored For 1st Test Vs India? Head Coach Shares Important Details

Tim Southee's place in danger vs India (Source: @Shebas_10dulkar/x.com)Tim Southee's place in danger vs India (Source: @Shebas_10dulkar/x.com)

Former New Zealand captain Tim Southee finds himself at the heart of a selection debate as the Black Caps prepare for their first Test against India in Bengaluru. After stepping down from the captaincy following a 2-0 series loss in Sri Lanka last month, Southee now faces a potential exclusion from the playing XI as New Zealand considers the composition of its bowling attack. 

The experienced pacer is going through a lean patch in Test cricket this year. He has taken only eight wickets at an average of 73.12, a significant drop from his usual form. Although, it is important to mention that he has an impressive record in India.

Will Tim Southee Play Against India ? 

If head coach Gary Stead and the selection panel opt for just two pacers, Matt Henry is seen as a likely partner for young quick Will O'Rourke, who made an impact during New Zealand’s recent series in Sri Lanka. However, if they decide on a three-pronged pace attack, the choice may come down to Southee’s wealth of experience or the raw pace of Ben Sears. 

But if New Zealand chose the option of playing two quicks on a Bengaluru pitch that traditionally offers assistance to spinners, Southee's experience may not be enough to guarantee him a spot.

While discussing the possibility of Southee’s exclusion, Stead revealed that their conversations following the Sri Lanka series were 'delicate'.  

"Like all Test tours and series we have reviews at the end of it and Tim and I had a conversation around it, then he made the decision to stand down. He thought it was in the best interests of the team. I supported his decision around that. It allows different players to be considered in roles and as a selector and coach you are always trying to put what you think is the very best team out there. With Tim as captain, he was the guy who was starting for us and leading that team and think we were always looking at the options that were best for the team going forward,” Stead said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo

The coach remains confident in Southee’s ability to rediscover his form. He also revealed that the pacer has been working closely with bowling coach Jacob Oram. Together, they have been analyzing footage of Southee’s past performances as he aims to regain the 'snap' in his bowling action.

It is significant to note that Tim Southee remains just 18 wickets shy of reaching the milestone of 400 Test wickets.