New Zealand captain Tim Southee stated he hoped his spinners would tip the stability in their favour. File
| Photo Credit: AFP
New Zealand’s captain Tim Southee stated Monday he was trying ahead to his facet’s Test collection in opposition to Bangladesh, saying he hoped the Kiwis spinners would outwit their “strong” opponents.
“The guys have a great desire for Test cricket,” Southee stated forward of the opening match of the two-Test collection in Bangladesh’s northeastern metropolis Sylhet on Tuesday.
“They say it is the pinnacle of the game. Whenever we play Test cricket, it is always special. We love and prioritise Test cricket”, he added.
New Zealand gained the title of the opening World Test Championship in 2021 however completed sixth in the subsequent cycle, which ended in 2023 with Australia beating India in the ultimate.
The Kiwis haven’t gained a Test in Bangladesh since their three-wicket win in Chittagong in 2008.
Their subsequent three Tests, together with each matches in a 2013 collection, ended in a draw.
“The start of the new cycle is exciting,” Southee added. “It is a tough place to play Tests. Bangladesh are strong in these conditions.”
Southee stated he hoped his spinners would tip the stability in their favour.
“It is foreign conditions compared to New Zealand — pace plays a big role in New Zealand, spin historically plays a big role in this part of the world,” Southee stated.
“Our spinners have done some great things in Tests. We are looking forward to them showcasing their skills.”
The guests named a spin-heavy squad for the upcoming collection, with Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel becoming a member of Ish Sodhi together with two spin all-rounders, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra.
Earlier this 12 months, New Zealand ended their 15-year wait to win a collection in Bangladesh, beating the house facet 2-0 in the three-match one-day worldwide collection in September earlier than they travelled to India for the ODI World Cup.
The Kiwis put up a reputable present at that event, shedding to hosts India in the semi-final.
Bangladesh, who gained simply two matches in the World Cup and completed eighth, additionally enter a brand new part with the collection.
Newly-appointed captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, a batsman, will take the sector as his facet’s chief for the first time, with common captain Shakib Al Hasan and his deputy Liton Das taking a break.
“I will not say we are completely new, but less experienced. It was going to happen inevitably at some stage,” Najmul stated.
“I would call it an opportunity for those who are young and new to the team; they should take it as a challenge,” he stated.
The second Test of the collection will likely be held in Dhaka from December 6-10.
