World Test Championship, Tim Southee, captain of New Zealand, hopes his team can build on their exciting victory over England last month when they face Sri Lanka in a two-Test series beginning Thursday in Christchurch. The Black Caps handed England just their second Test defeat under the watchful eye of new coach Brendon McCullum when they registered an exciting one-run victory over the European side in Wellington last week.
World Test Championship, Southee Confident leading New Zealand
The Black Caps will now focus on visiting Sri Lanka for two red-ball contests in quick succession. The series is part of the current ICC World Test Championship (2021-23) and Sri Lanka still has a slim chance of reaching June’s final if they win 2-0, but Southee intends to make it as tough as possible for the tourists. Instead, Southee is concentrating on his team’s preparations and ensuring that they carry all of the energy from the England series into Sri Lanka.
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“It’s been amazing to see so many people discussing Test cricket, and to see the Basin Reserve full for five days was a terrific experience to be a part of,” Southee said. “I believe that, in general, the men are thrilled when people discuss Test cricket. And Test cricket is enthralling. England has contributed to this during the last year or so. The men continue to see Test cricket as the peak of the sport.
“That is a match that will be discussed for years, yet they are a pretty modest bunch. Our attention will now move to Sri Lanka. We are plainly eliminated from the Test Championship, while they have plenty to play for over the next two weeks. Key fast Kyle Jamieson is unavailable owing to a back injury he sustained in England last year, making New Zealand’s preparations for the series less than ideal.
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Former captain Kane Williamson was also missing from training in Christchurch this week, as he was with his family in Tauranga in preparation for the funeral of his grandmother. “I believe that everyone on the squad is now rooting for Kane and that he is in the greatest possible location. This occurs inside and around his family. It’s a moment of sorrow for the Williamson family “Southee said.
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“We look forward to Kane joining the team. He has been able to practice with the Northern Districts players in Tauranga, so I am certain he will be hitting a lot of balls in preparation for Thursday’s match.”