Despite his recent absences from New Zealand's ODI side, Black Caps paceman Tim Southee still has a big part to play in white ball cricket, Kane Williamson says.
Southee, 30, played no part in the Black Caps' recent ODI series loss to India, sitting out all five matches with the likes of Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Doug Bracewell and Colin de Grandhomme all preferred in his place.
A veteran of 138 ODIs, Southee has failed to consistently replicate the form he's shown with the red ball, taking 179 wickets at an average of a shade under 35.
Speaking to media in Wellington ahead of his side's three match T20 series against India though, Williamson says that Southee is still a big part of New Zealand's limited overs plans.
"We've had a number of guys getting some good game time in that Indian series, where Tim had played a huge amount of cricket," Williamson began.
"He's a massive part of our side, a leader in the group.
"It's one of those things. It's unfortunate on one hand, but I think for the collective it's a really positive thing that a number of guys are getting opportunities to have those experiences against a fantastic Indian side."
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