Tim Southee: Cutting and changing one side doesn’t fit well with kiwis

Tim Southee has been a pillar of New Zealand cricket for more than a decade. The Black Caps veteran shares his IPL experiences and sets out his goals in a candid chat.

Can you explain the secret to appearing as a superpower of the Black Caps in world events?

I think we’ve always been able to box over our weight at world events. Going back, even before we played, we made several semi-finals at the World Cup and I think that was quite an obstacle that we couldn’t overcome and we managed to make it to the final in 2015. And then the World Test Championship final and now. Also the T20 World Cup final and the 2019 World Cup final. So yes, I think we have become much more consistent as a side. I believe that as a team there are no secret recipes for success. A lot of work has gone into creating a team atmosphere, and we’ve been lucky to have so many players around the world. I think when Brendon McCullum took over as captain and then I think we’ve gotten somehow stronger.

How do you see home competition not as fierce as in a few Asian countries or large cricket regions? Does it cause players to get a longer rope?

Yes, the size and population of New Zealand in general. A relatively small country with a population of 55 million. We have six teams at home, and I think we are trying to get the most out of it. Since Brendon and later Kane (Williamson) also took over, one of the main factors at the time has been consistency in the selection and giving the boys time to find their feet and work at this level. I think we’ve worked pretty fast. Cutting and changing one side doesn’t suit us well, it doesn’t serve us as a kiwi. We are blessed with some good cricketers at the moment, who have been building for some time now.

Cricket is also not as profitable as some cricket-driven regions. How much will the scenario change as an Amazon Prime broadcast partner?

It’s great to be associated with Amazon Prime, and I manage to get that into India, which is such a massive market and a love of cricket is great for us. We started playing cricket because we loved it as a kid, and because we were able to make a career out of it. First and foremost, it is a pleasure to play and replace your country.

Are you an OTT geek or do you prefer to play video games in your free time?

I’m a country boy, so I grew up in the countryside, I spent a lot of time as a child indoors and in front of screens, but in a modern atmosphere and in a hotel where we live in a bubble life. , there’s a lot more time for guys to get to various streaming sites and see a lot of things today.

You’ve been around international cricket for over a decade. What has hindered you from examining other T20 leagues besides IPL and T20 Blastz?

The most important thing for me is to represent New Zealand and I like to do that. And as you get older, you know, your body needs a break. I’ve been very lucky to play IPL for many years and hopefully there will be a few more years, but I’ve played a couple of times in the English T20 competition. He played for Canada a few years ago. Big Bash clashes with our summer home, so it’s very hard to get into that.

You have been part of five IPL teams so far. Can you choose the most memorable and unforgettable experience?

There are now ten teams, so there are five more to finish (laughs). But yes, I’ve been very lucky to live with a lot of IPL teams, managed to get a couple of titles along the way and made it to the finals this year. So I think these are the most memorable moments.

Winning with Chennai in 2011 was an amazing experience and also with Mumbai a few years back. But what I like most is playing Indian cricket. To see the fans and the support you receive, their passion for the local IPL team. The friendships you make too. You get into the Indian team atmosphere as a foreign player and when you leave after two months, I like the friendships you’ve made and the people you’ve gotten to know.

Do you think it’s time for the IPL to remove the entire team reorganization every three or four years?

I do not know. It’s hard. It has been something that has been part of the IPL from the beginning and the most difficult part will probably be for the fans and players associated with the team for many years to come. So I think it’s hard to cut and change players. I’m not sure if my salary is above the pay range to find out what the best solution is.

Can you tell us the secret of Tim Southe’s endurance in international cricket for so long and the goals you have set for yourself over the next two years?

When I started, I had to learn the game. I only played a few home games and all of a sudden you’re playing international cricket. So, I come up with ideas, and to see them flush it out, it’s really fun. There have been a lot of setbacks during the trip, but I think they shape you as a player and as a person. As a bowler, it can be quite tough at times to make sure you are putting those yards out of the game and taking care of yourself and your body. You look at someone like James Anderson. He can still play 160 test games, while Stuart Broad has played 150 test games. It’s incredible. Going to the end of 30 years is admirable from a fast bowler. I recently turned 33, so yes, many years are left. I would love to do it for many years to come.

Amazon Prime Video will release live cricket playback on January 1, 2022 after being one of India’s most beloved entertainment destinations.