Cricket
1News

Black Caps hail Tim Southee's illness-defying performance against India

February 9, 2020

Despite sickness, Southee battled through for a vital effort with the ball at Eden Park.

The Black Caps have heaped praise on Tim Southee's courageous effort, battling through illness to deliver a vital performance in last night's 22-run victory over India at Eden Park.

After a bout of gastro swept through the Black Caps in Auckland, ruling out Scott Kuggeleijn earlier in the week and Mitchell Santner yesterday morning, Southee battled through his own illness to play in the series winning victory.

Taking the new ball, Southee got through his first spell dismissing Indian captain Virat Kohli, before having to leave the field in order to be sick.

He would then return to complete his 10 overs inside the opening half of the innings. All up, Southee finished with figures of 2/41 from his night's work.

Speaking to media in Auckland today, new ball partner Hamish Bennett revealed the extent of the illness, and the performance Southee gave in the most trying of circumstances.

"He's a tough character," Bennett said,

"He's a tough guy, he's got some really good traits that people try and copy and emulate.

"For him to do that, I think just shows how much wearing the silver fern on his chest means to him.

"He's a good leader in our side. Actions obviously have a lot to do with that. Last night he led by example to show that no matter what the situation is, you've just got to go out there and get the job done.

"As New Zealanders, that's what we sort of pride ourselves on, getting a job done - whether we're fit or not fit.

"It was a pretty brave effort."

The illness sweeping through the Black Caps' ranks saw fielding coach Luke Ronchi forced to field as a substitute at one point, the 38-year-old having retired from international cricket in 2017.

He too in awe of the bravery Southee showed.

"I don't know how common knowledge it is, but he came off after his first spell and had to be sick," Ronchi said.

"His energy levels aren't where they are normally, it all a very late occurrence where it sort of all worked out.

"For him to go out and do what he did, and just push through some barriers and stuff like that, show the character he is for the team, is awesome.

"To see him come out, and bowl brilliantly as well, and get some crucial wickets - what he did was fantastic."

SHARE ME

More Stories