Tim Southee excited for subcontinent challenge

New Zealand Test captain Tim Southee isn’t in any panic mood after some international stars have opted out of central contracts. Rather, he is focussing on the upcoming Test series in Asia. 

Recently, Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, and Adam Milne have opted out of central contracts. Talking about this, the 35-year-old Tim Southee pointed out the rising opportunities in the cricket world. He believes that the cricket boards and franchise leagues will find a way to resolve this issue. 

Six Test matches in the subcontinent - it's exciting: Tim Southee

In the upcoming Asia tour, New Zealand will play six Tests. After playing a one-off Test match against Afghanistan in India, starting on September 9, New Zealand will tour Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series. Then, the Blackcaps will return to India for the three-match Test series against the hosts. The Sri Lanka and India Test series will be part of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship. 

Talking about their upcoming subcontinent tour, Southee said, according to ESPNcricinfo, "If you look at it as a whole - six Test matches in the subcontinent - it's exciting. It's probably something we haven't done, in my time anyway. It's a great challenge for the side."

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New Zealand Test captain is respecting Afghanistan challenge

It will be the first Test meeting between Afghanistan and New Zealand. At the recently concluded ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, New Zealand suffered an 84-run defeat against Afghanistan in the group stage. 

Although Afghanistan are new in Test cricket, Southee is not taking them lightly by pointing out Afghans recent performances at the white-ball tournaments. 

Southee said for their Afghanistan Test challenge in India, "That part of the world, spin is going to play a big part. They've got some quality spinners, mixed in with some quality quicks as well. We've seen in other formats that's been their strength, their bowling unit, particularly their spinners. It's going to be an exciting challenge.”

It's exciting for all the spinners: Tim Southee

Meanwhile, Southee is ready and confident for their upcoming Test challenges in Sri Lanka and India.

Southee added, "[The role of the spinners] might change from venue to venue, change from India to Sri Lanka and back to India. We have the options. We have guys that can bowl spin, offspin, left-arm spin, so we've got a good mix, mixed in with some quality pace as well. It's exciting for all the spinners. We were in Bangladesh last year, so as a spin bowler, I'm sure you're looking forward to this challenge."

Last year, New Zealand toured Bangladesh for a three-match ODI series and a two-match Test series. After winning the ODI series by 2-0, Blackcaps ended the Test series in level by 1-1. 

After completing their subcontinent challenge, New Zealand will host England for a three-match Test series. This Test series will also be a part of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship.