New Zealand has always produced outstanding swing bowlers — the country’s finest, Richard Hadlee, ranks among the greatest fast-bowlers of all time. Tim Southee has also been remarkably successful and durable, after making his international debut way back in 2008. He played his 100th Test against Australia at Christchurch last month. The New Zealand Test captain, who has 380 Test, 221 ODI and 157 T20I wickets, spoke to The Hindu over the phone from Hamilton. Excerpts:
Not too many pace bowlers — bowlers of any style, in fact — have captained in Test cricket. How has the experience been for you?
I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I worked closely with Brendon McCullum when he was captain and then Kane Williamson when he was captain. And I think for most sides there is also a leadership group that does a lot of the stuff. And I have been lucky to have Kane and Tom Latham, two guys that have both captained the side. I enjoy thinking about the game and yes, captaincy can also be challenging at times.
