NEWS
Follow UsIndia at home have been a formidable side, with the only series loss coming at the hands of England earlier in 2012-13. Since then, India have won all their Test series at home, including making a comeback twice, once against Australia and later against England earlier this year, to complete victories.
However, with New Zealand set to visit India, it might not be an easy test for the hosts, with India on the wrong side of the recent meetings against Kane Williamson’s side. Ahead of the Test series, Tim Southee admitted that the BlackCaps need to adapt quickly to the conditions, in order to beat India.
"It's been a long time since we played India in India...they are a powerhouse in their own conditions. Such foreign conditions we are not used to, so we need to adapt to the conditions as quick as possible," Tim Southee stated in the press conference.
"It's certainly been a challenge over the last 6-8 months around. Different series, different countries and being away from home in bubble life, so it's not easy. You try and separate them as much as you can. It's a massive learning process,” he added.
The first Test of the upcoming tour will be played in Kanpur from November 25 to 29 followed by the Test in Mumbai from December 3 to 7.
Southee said the inaugural WTC crown is a thing of the past now as new Test cycle begins with the India tour.
"New cycle is exciting. A great place to go on tour and test yourself against a very good opposition and in trying conditions. It's great to be part of the last cycle. We hit the reset button and looking foward to the next 2 year cycle.
"There is something special about Test cricket. It's incredible to be part of the Test side. Over the last number of years the success we hd not only at home but overseas been incredible to be part of," he said.
"Test cricket is something I absolutely love and any chance to get to play is a special moment. Representing your country at the highest level is truly an honour."
With COVID-19 changing the landscape of the game, Southee admitted that touring has become certainly more drastic than ever.
"Not only touring life, life in general has changed for a number of people and as cricketers we also had to adapt to that. Lot of times in bubbles, lot of time in quarantine, so it's changed the way we have travelled. One of the positive side is we spent a lot of time together as a team."
In the absence of Trent Boult, who has given the Test series due to bubble fatigue, alongside Colin de Grandhomme, a large chunk of the responsibility would be on the shoulders of Kyle Jamieson. Southee insisted that playing India would be ‘one of the greatest challenges’ for any Test playing nation.
"We have got one of the greatest challenges coming up, playing India in India. So for me that's gets me out of bed every day and challenge yourself against the best in the world in tough conditions.
"Different challenge in India, that's what you want to do in international cricket you want to challenge yourself in different conditions and formats," he said.
(With inputs from PTI)