‘For us to finally To win a major ICC event was great’

To play India in the final in England was special in itself, says Southee

Whatever format he plays, the skill on view elevates the level of the contest.

Tim Southee has it all — the run-up, the load-up and the release blending as one, exemplary seam position, two-way swing and seam movement, subtle changes in length and speed, probing batters’ footwork, exposing chinks and, above all, control.

With over 600 international wickets, 338 of them in Tests, Tim Southee is among the greats of the modern game. In India, Now featuring in the IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders, the 33-year-old New Zealand seamer answered questions from The Hindu.

Even in T20 cricket, Southee bowls an attacking fuller length, giving the ball a chance to swing. He said, “A pacer has to be attacking, hunting for wickets to slow a team down.”

Southee was practical. “It doesn’t come off all the time. You will have good and bad days but you try to be consistent and adapt as you juggle between formats.”

Asked about Kane Williamson’s leadership, Southee said, “Kane has been phenomenal, both as a leader and a player. It has been a smooth transition from Brendon [McCullum] and what he did to New Zealand cricket.”