Even though Tim Southee will be watching the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 instead of playing, he has backed his former teammates to perform well in Pakistan.
At the end of 2024, the former Blackcaps bowler and skipper announced his retirement from international competition, therefore he and Trent Boult will not be part of the squad that hopes to win the trophy for the first time since 2000.
Kane Williamson and captain Mitchell Santner are aware of what it takes to advance to the sharp end of tournaments, despite the fast-bowling ranks appearing to be comparatively inexperienced.
Tim Southee has been impressed by what he has witnessed, especially after winning the Tri-Nation Series in Pakistan as a warm-up.
The way the squad has performed, he stated: “Various guys have stepped up.” There is a fair balance of young, enthusiastic people with a lot of potential and some experienced guys. Their experience from this Tri-Nation Series will only help them in the competition.
Having some momentum heading into the competition and being used to those circumstances will only be beneficial.
“Kane is in good form, and it’s good to see him score a few points. He’s clearly class.” Over the past several years, he hasn’t played much one-day cricket, but we’re used to seeing him return and make two important contributions. As a Black Caps supporter, though, I also find it to be enjoyable.
Experience and his style of play allow him to be in the middle, where he always appears to be in control. What distinguishes those four or five batters from the others is that. They can summarise the situation and highlight specific points in games, and they usually end up winning. He makes the group more composed.
“As captain, Mitch has done an excellent job. I had some experience with his captaincy near the conclusion of my career, but it’s still relatively fresh to him. You can tell how composed he is by the way he plays cricket.
“I believe he looks to lead with his performances in all three areas, and he has a good game plan.” He is a very good fielder, an incredibly talented bowler, and a very effective batter, so I have no doubt that he will try to lead in all three categories.
All-rounder Nathan Smith and fast bowler Will O’Rourke will have a lot of responsibility to lead the way in the post-Southee and Boult era, even though Santner and Williamson have the experience.
O’Rourke, who stood out in Test cricket as well, took four wickets in the Tri-Nation final against Pakistan, and Southee encouraged him to keep improving.
Not having Trent and myself at an ICC event is something unusual, but it’s exciting all at once, he continued. Participating in these activities is fantastic, and now that I’m in front of these guys, I’m eager to watch how they turn out.
“We have witnessed Will O’Rourke’s abilities in the Test match. Although he is still very young, he possesses all the qualities that will help him succeed greatly in competitive cricket. Watching him compete in his first ICC event excites me.
“Will doesn’t say much, but he listens and wants to improve.” I think you need it at this level, and Nathan Smith exudes a genuine confidence and self-belief.
Due to the fact that he is still developing, Will will benefit much from the Tri-Nation Series. He has excellent skills and we know he has the bounce and quickness. As we seen in the Test match, he simply continues changing and improving.
“His career is far from over, but I have no doubt that he will benefit New Zealand cricket greatly for many years to come in all three formats.”
Is it possible for New Zealand to advance and emulate the 2000 vintage? That’s what Southee hopes.
In conclusion, he said, “If you look at New Zealand’s record in ICC events, they are always there or thereabouts.” If you get into a bit of a groove in a competition like the Champions Trophy, anything can happen. The Blackcaps winning the trophy at the end would be amazing to witness.
India
