Southee behaved like a true leader in 2nd ODI: Bennett
PTI, Feb 9, 2020, 2:31 PM IST
Auckland: New Zealand pacer Hamish Bennett said thatTim Southee showed exemplary leadership qualities when he played through pain and discomfort during the second ODI against India.
New Zealand was almost rendered a bowler short as Southee was hit by a stomach bug and bowled through the pain to get his side across the line.
He picked 2-41 as the Kiwis won the second ODI by 22 runs on Saturday, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
“For him to do that, it just shows how much wearing the silver fern on his chest means to him. He’s a good leader in our side and his actions have a lot to do with that and last night we saw that. 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,” said Bennett.
“As New Zealanders, that’s what we pride ourselves on, getting the job done, whether we’re fit or not fit. It was a pretty brave effort,” he said.
Bennett said that they were confident to defend the 270-run total despite Eden Park being a small ground.
“Eden Park is a funny ground, it is small boundary wise and scores here haven’t been too high, as people would like to believe. It is not an easy ground to bat in the ODIs. We knew if we get early wickets we could put pressure on their batting order,” he added.
“They have a couple key players, and once we got them early, you can put pressure on any batting group doing that. Last night we were fortunate that our plans came off,” said Bennett.
It was a debut to remember for pacer Kyle Jamieson. Playing on his home ground, he put up a valuable partnership with Ross Taylor to propel the score. Then, he took two wickets to rock the Indian line-up and steered his side to victory.
Bennett said India got too close at the end for comfort, but they managed to sneak through with the win.
“Kyle and I have played together in Auckland. We have trained together and I remember when we were at Lincoln University nets. He bowled to Tom Latham and almost hit him on the throat. He is tall, gets that bounce and was quick as well. I have always felt there will be a time for Kyle.
“Being big means he would have some problems physically, but he has got over them, and now has a bright future ahead of him, no doubt,” said Bennett.
India is now staring down the barrel at a series’ whitewash. New Zealand have the chance to make it 3-0 in reply to the 5-0 loss they had suffered in the preceding T20I series.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
IOA submits ‘Letter of Intent’ to host 2036 Olympics in India
Mohammed Shami’s return to competitive cricket delayed; not to play for Bengal against Karnataka, MP
IPL auction set to be held in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh at end of November
So proud of you: Ravindra reveals rare message from dad after NZ’s historic series win
Gautam Gambhir’s performance under scanner after disaster in Sri Lanka and India
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Rohit Shetty says ‘Singham Again’ his fastest Rs 100 crore film, thanks audience for support
SC junks plea against quashing of LOC issued to ex-house help of Sushant Singh Rajput
People of Wayanad will ask me not to come there often: Priyanka Gandhi
Belagavi: Govt clerk found dead in Tehsildar’s chamber
JPC chairman Jagdambika Pal to visit K’taka on Nov 7 to meet farmers protesting Waqf notices
Thanks for visiting Udayavani
You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.