Thursday, March 28, 2024
Advertisement
  1. You Are At:
  2. News
  3. Sports
  4. Cricket
  5. India vs New Zealand: Tim Southee wary of threat from Indian openers despite lack of experience

India vs New Zealand: Tim Southee wary of threat from Indian openers despite lack of experience

India are missing Rohit Sharma at the top of the order and Mayank Agarwal and Prithvi Shaw will are likely to open the innings for India in the first Test at Wellington.

PTI Reported by: PTI Wellington Published on: February 19, 2020 13:20 IST
India vs New Zealand
Image Source : @BCCI

Tim Southee wary of threat from Indian openers despite lack of experience

India's opening pair of Mayank Agarwal and Prithivi Shaw may be inexperienced but has enough talent to make a difference in the upcoming two-Test series, feels senior New Zealand pacer Tim Southee.

With Rohit Sharma ruled out due to hamstring injury and KL Rahul not selected, the onus is on Shaw (2 Tests) and Agarwal (9 Tests) to give India a good start against the likes of Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Matt Henry in the series beginning on Friday.

"They are missing a couple of guys due to the injury but there are plenty guys who are talented and capable of stepping up when required. They had a good outing in Hamilton. Although, they may be inexperienced but at the same time, they are class players," Southee told PTI during a brief interaction on Wednesday.

An open venue like Basin Reserve with cross breeze blowing across the ground could be a factor and a lot will depend on how quickly India adapt to the conditions.

"Obviously, these are home conditions and it favours us. But there are a number of things that you need to do well in here at the Basin Reserve and India will have to get used to it in the next three days," Southee gave a subtle warning to the visiting team.

However, when it comes to India, they have been the top Test nation for a considerable period time and opposition needs to respect that.

"It’s a completely different format. India have played great Test cricket for a long period of time so it should be an evenly contested Test series."

He attributes his long-standing successful ball pairing with Trent Boult to their friendship and knowing each other's skills well enough.

"We have complemented each other for long with the left-arm and right arm combination. We are both capable of swinging the ball and knowing each other’s skills for so many years having played a lot of cricket together. We form a good partnership and hopefully we can carry it into the series," he signed off.

Advertisement

Read all the Breaking News Live on indiatvnews.com and Get Latest English News & Updates from Sports and Cricket Section

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement