New Zealand batsman Tom Latham addressed the media on Wednesday following the release of the summer schedule by New Zealand Cricket, which commences with a three-Test series against England in November, followed by white-ball series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
"From my point of view it gives me an opportunity as a senior player to step up and lead as well. But also other guys that haven't necessarily had those opportunities in the past to step up as well in different leadership roles," said the 32-year-old Latham.
Latham emphasized the importance of the senior players taking on more responsibility to make up for the absence of former captain Kane Williamson, who has decided to opt out of a portion of the home summer.
Williamson relinquished his white-ball captaincy after New Zealand's disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup at the group stage itself.
"It's never great when you miss guys of Kane's calibre but it gives opportunities to other guys to put their best foot forward," said Latham.
Instead of representing the Black Caps as he typically would, Williamson intends to spend January playing T20 franchise cricket in South Africa.
As Williamson's long-time deputy, Latham expressed his heightened sense of duty to step up and provide leadership for the team during this period.
"I think we've seen over many years now at times we haven't had those senior guys whether (because) they're playing in the IPL (Indian Premier League) or having a rest," said Latham.
Latham, who has frequently stepped in as captain, was overlooked for the permanent Test captaincy position when Williamson resigned, with fast bowler Tim Southee being chosen instead.
New Zealand has not yet determined a replacement for Williamson in the white-ball roles, but Latham's T20 record may work against him if selectors choose to have a single captain for both short-format teams.
Latham was absent from New Zealand's T20 World Cup squad, and his most recent T20I appearance was more than a year ago.
The three-match series against England, commencing in Christchurch on November 28, will be the sole Test cricket played in New Zealand during the home summer, amidst worries that the increasing number of global T20 leagues is suffocating the longest format.
Latham, with 80 Test appearances, stated that players could only attempt to adjust to the evolving landscape.
"There's no Test franchise stuff. So if that comes out, that'd be great," he joked. "But yeah, I think cricket nowadays you've got to be so flexible with the skill-set that you have."
