England bowling consultant and former Black Caps bowler Tim Southee has admitted it will be “a little bit strange” to be in the opposing dressing room to New Zealand at the T20 World Cup, ahead of the two teams playing in the Super 8s.
Victory in the England versus New Zealand fixture at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo will secure top spot in Super 8s Group 2. England have already confirmed a semi final place. New Zealand require a win to guarantee qualification for the final four.
A defeat would leave New Zealand dependent on Pakistan failing to beat the already eliminated Sri Lanka by a significant margin on Sunday.
Southee represented New Zealand 394 times across all formats and claimed 391 wickets in 107 Test matches. He now works within England’s coaching structure.
“It is a little bit strange seeing the guys around the hotel and obviously with that series in New Zealand end of last year,” Southee said.
“It’s a great opportunity to work with England.
“I always want New Zealand cricket to do well, always following them closely, but now in the role that I’m in, things are slightly different.
“I’m looking forward to going out there against a good side and some good mates as well.”
Southee has also worked closely with Jofra Archer, whose tournament began with two expensive outings. Archer conceded 98 runs across eight overs in England’s opening two group matches. He responded with figures of 3 for 20 against Sri Lanka and 2 for 32 against Pakistan in the Super Eight stage, regularly exceeding 150 kilometres per hour.
“The good sign is that we’ve seen over the last few games he looks like he’s getting better and better, so that bodes well for the next few games,” Southee said.
“He’s obviously a class bowler. He can bowl fast, move the ball and he has an unbelievable amount of skill.
“It’s been brilliant to see how he goes about his stuff. He absolutely loves cricket, loves bowling, so it’s been great to work alongside such a great bowler.”
Southee also addressed scrutiny surrounding England head coach Brendon McCullum, his former New Zealand team mate saying, “Baz is just Baz.”
“I have known him, played a lot with him and get on with him very well. But one thing with Brendon is he is the most consistent guy I have ever come across.
“Nothing really changes from him. He believes in what he believes in. He’s been very consistent with his behaviours and it’s been no different here.
“He just wants guys to do well, he wants the team to do well and that hasn’t changed since he was a player and now as a coach.”