Black Caps go to bat for under-fire skipper
Under-fire Tim Southee has the backing of the players to continue as test captain, seamer Matt Henry says.
Southee’s future as test skipper has been called into question after a rough series against Australia, where New Zealand let their opponent back into the contest from a dominant position in both matches.
New Zealand squandered a huge opportunity to end their 31-year home test win drought against Australia in the second test in Christchurch. Australia were 34-4, then 80-5 in their second innings, chasing 279, but got home by three wickets to sweep the series 2-0.
Southee was criticised in some corners for not using offspinner Glenn Phillips earlier in the first session on day four. Phillips, who looked among the most threatening bowlers in Australia’s second dig, was given just one over before lunch.
Henry, who was exceptional in the second test, capturing 7-67 in the first innings, and 9-161 for the match, said the playing group stood behind Southee as test captain.
“Tim’s captaincy is brilliant. It’s so good having someone like him at the top of your mark and the way he sees the game, the confidence he gives you as a player, is second to none,” Henry said.
“Tim is fantastic. To be able to have him there as a group and ... to be able to pick his brains, he’s played so much cricket. It’s great to have someone like Tim by your side.”
Henry stressed there were no concerns in the playing group about Southee’s ability as captain, or some of the decisions he had made against Australia.
“We’re lucky, in our group we’ve got so many good leaders and Tim has been fantastic for such a number of years and now he’s test captain he’s great.”
New Zealand do not play another test until September when they face Afghanistan (probably in the United Arab Emirates or India), followed by a two-test away series against Sri Lanka in September-October, and three tests in India in October-November.
Southee was non-committal when asked whether he expected to be test captain for those six matches.
New Zealand will likely play two frontline seamers in those matches, with three spinners probably the preference. Phillips, and left-arm spinners Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel will all be crucial with the ball in Asia.
With Henry locked in as a must-selection, Southee, Will O’Rourke and Ben Sears might be jostling for the other seam bowling role in the XI.
“Well, we’ll see. You go to Asia and the make-up of the side changes slightly, with spin becoming the main threat in that part of the world, but we’ll see when we get there,” Southee said.
Southee succeeded Kane Williamson as test captain in December 2022, and has a six win, two draw, four loss record leading the side.
By his own standards, Southee’s form this home summer has been poor.
The 35-year-old captured only six wickets at 71.33 and a strike rate of 127.1 from four tests (127.1 overs) against a second-string South Africa and Australia. He could have added to his wicket tally, with several catches going down off his bowling.
Henry defended Southee’s sub-par showing at home and said he remained a cornerstone of the New Zealand pace attack.
“If you’re looking at the opportunities he’s created, he’s created plenty and he’s also creating pressure which is giving the guy at the other end the chance to take wickets. Tim has been bowling well. He’s creating the chances and it always evens itself out [with wickets].”*