Tim Southee became only the second New Zealander ever to take 600 international wickets and claims it's because he is always looking to add to his game.
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New Zealand pacer Tim Southee became the second cricketer from the nation to account for 600 international wickets, on Day 5 of the final of the maiden edition of the World Test Championship (WTC) against India. Southee is the second New Zealander after Daniel Vettori to record the milestone. He dismissed Indian opener, Shubman Gill, in the evening session of the day’s play to reach the landmark. Southee further followed it up with the scalp of Rohit Sharma. Interestingly, both the dismissals were recorded from inswingers, with the New Zealand pacer setting up the batsmen with an outswinger before bringing one back.
Southee stated that he had been working on his skills with the ball in order to increase his threat as a wicket-taker.
“As the game goes on and the wicket starts to deteriorate, you try to bring in the stumps a little bit more. It was nice to see one nip back in first up and then a little bit of a hint of swing back in as well. As a player you are always looking at different ways to expand your game and that’s been one of the ways I’ve looked to develop my game over the last wee while. It’s something I will continue to work on over time and try to keep adding to my game,” he said as quoted by ICC.
“Any time you have milestones like that, it’s nice. If you play for long enough, you tick off a few milestones along the way. It’s a nice achievement, when I started I certainly didn’t think I’d be sitting here after taking 600 so it’s nice but hopefully there’s plenty more to come tomorrow and in the coming years,” added Southee.
The Black Caps are in a stronger position according to the experts, with many backing them to emerge victorious in the WTC final. However, Mohammed Shami who has been a key performer for India in the clash, backed the Asian giants to make their presence felt. Shami helped Team India bowl the Kiwis out for 249 in the first innings, recording figures of four for 76.
“Our bowlers have bowled well in the match so far. We have to bowl as a unit going forward, have to work depending on the resources at our disposal. I wanted to keep it tight. The idea was to restrict them, bowl in the right areas. We carried on with the momentum, getting wickets in ones and twos,” said Shami.
“I can’t say how much we can dismiss them for in the fourth innings of the match. We need time and a plan, which we will obviously work out. We will need runs on the board and backup. Whenever the team has needed me, I have given my 100 per cent. I always try to attack, go for the wickets. Once the captain guides me on where to bowl, I focus on doing that, trying to maintain the kind of line and length expected from me. I never regret missing out on five-wicket hauls or other such achievements. Such thoughts don’t cross our minds. I love playing for my country and that is it. In the end it is about your effort and some luck. One has to remain positive whatever the situation,” he added.
It will be interesting to note the team that emerges victorious at the end of a hard-fought and exciting final.
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