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Former New Zealand skipper Tim Southee has weighed in on the importance of the historic Test series win on Indian soil. From Bazball-clad England to the might Australians, many tried in the last decade but failed to beat India in India. Tom Latham-led New Zealand not only won their first ever Test series on Indian soil but ended India's domination at home which lasted over 18 consecutive series over a span of 12 years. Southee feels that the New Zealand team has showed the way for other teams touring India. The fast-bowling all-rounder also revealed that Australia and India are two toughest places he has toured in his career.
"Yeah, I think you just look at the history. What is it, 12 years that someone's been able to do and 18 series or whatever it is. It's a very, very tough place to come. I think if you look at it from my perspective and the cricket I've played in the past however many years, I think you look at India and Australia are the two places that are probably the most difficult to tour. Both the conditions, the quality of the opposition and how good they are at home makes it a tough place to tour," Southee told Cricbuzz ahead of third and final Test of the series at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai starting November 1.
"But I think you look at this one in particular, 12 years, 18 series. It's nice to be that side that's broken that run. I guess it shows to other teams around the world that it is possible to beat India in India," he added.
Southee recalled challenge in India as a young lad
Southee has always looked forward to the challenge on Indian pitches. He recalled bowling to the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman.
"I guess one of the first things that comes to mind is - tough. It is tough. For us, coming from New Zealand, the conditions are so foreign. I think every time you come here, you're playing against a superstar outfit. I think you look back to that 2010 team, they're like Tendulkar, Sehwag, Gambhir, Dravid, Laxman, Dhoni. Like, as a young guy, to be able to come over here and play against those guys was a dream come true," said the 35-year-old.
New Zealand will look to script history again as they face an out-of-form Indian side. The Kiwis need a win to boost their chances of reaching World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final. After the India tour, they will head back home and face Ben Stokes’ England in a three-Test series.
