Playing More Test Cricket Would Be Nice - Tim Southee Calls For New Zealand To Regularly Play 3-Match Test Series

Senior pacer Tim Southee reckons New Zealand have earned the “right to play more Test cricket” meaning he wishes that the Black Caps feature more in 3 Tests series rather than what they now generally play in 2-Test series.

The Kiwis have played in only two 3-Test series since April 2017. Otherwise, they remain more involved in the Test series comprising a couple of games.

Tim Southee understands that in the pandemic world – in fact even before that as well – it’s a challenge for them, and their oppositions, to go through three Tests considering the jam-packed schedule international cricketers run in. However, he also believes after winning the WTC and being the number 1 ICC ranked Test side, they should be playing more 3-Test series.

“I guess one of our strengths as a side is that we sort of just concentrate on what’s put in front of us, and what we try and achieve as a group, (but) I guess playing more Test cricket as a whole would be nice,” Tim Southee was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

“We don’t play that many three-match series, so I guess just being able to play more Test matches and hopefully more three-match series rather than two-match series. But yeah, I think it’s tough with future tours (programme) already being in place up to now, but just being able to perform at this level for a number of years and being a consistent side, I guess we have that right to play more Test cricket,” he added.

I’d love to play this game for as long as I possibly can: Tim Southee

With fast bowlers, there is always an injury concern while playing for a long stretch. But, Tim Southee, aged 32, looks for inspiration towards the likes of James Anderson and teammate Ross Taylor for both of them still at their best while approaching 40.

“I feel as fit as I ever have, so I’d love to play this game for as long as I possibly can. Seeing guys like James Anderson, at 38, still being able to do what he’s doing gives everyone hope, Ross Taylor at 37 still being able to perform at this level.

“I think it comes down to the individual standards that you set yourself, and you’re able to hold those high standards that it takes to play at this level, then I guess age is only a number. I hope there’s a lot of life left in me,” the seamer further stated.

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