New Zealand pacer Tim Southee has commented on his teammate Kyle Jamieson's recent revelation that India captain Virat Kohli had asked him to bowl to him in the nets during the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021). Jamieson was part of the Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise in the now-suspended IPL 2021.
New Zealand and India are going to face each other in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final in Southampton from June 18. Southee feels Jamieson did the right thing by avoiding the face-off with the dukes ball in the RCB net session.
In an interview with The Guardian, Southee said: “I’ll just wait and see if some of the younger guys spot it. Lord’s is a pretty special place to play cricket. Walk-in and you can’t help seeing what people have achieved there over the years. But, yeah, it’s not really the Kiwi way to point these things out.”
The speedster further talked about Kohli and Jamieson's face-off and added, “I’m pretty sure that story is true. But that would be the answer to most batsmen – why would you give them a look? It was smart from Virat to see if he’d fall into the trap but for Kyle, it was a no-brainer to not give the guy a glimpse of what he’ll be facing in the final".
The 32-year-old lauded Jamieson and said his inclusion has enhanced their bowling attack which already includes the likes of Trent Boult, Neil Wagner, Matt Henry, along with Southee himself. It is going to be a test for the Indian batting unit against the BlackCaps bowling line-up in English conditions.
“But yes, a guy who bowls from 6ft 8in will only enhance any attack like ours. He’s a great kid and driven to improve. He swings the ball and always asks questions, bowling a full length. He’s invaluable with the bat too – a massive asset for the side," he added.
Southee sees James Anderson as his motivation to play longer. Anderson, the 39-year-old, is still very lethal with the ball for the opponents.
"Jimmy shows age is only a number. For me it's as yet a fantasy to play for New Zealand, to address your loved ones. I need to go however long I can", he said.
(With Inputs from The Guardian)
