29 Jan 2020

Tim Southee: We need to put in a worthy performance

10:34 am on 29 January 2020

Black Caps bowler Tim Southee says now is not the time for them to start second guessing themselves as they try to stay alive in the T20 series against India.

Black Caps captain Kane Williamson talks to Tim Southee.

Kane Williamson and Tim Southee Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The hosts are 2-nil down in the five match series heading into today's third game in Hamilton.

After a run of successful results in the shorter versions of the game, the Black Caps are struggling against the Indians.

The New Zealanders have been asked to bat first in both games so far, scoring 203 for five in the first game at Eden Park, which appeared to be a winning total, however the tourists reached their target with six wickets and six balls to spare.

It was even easier for India in the second game, when after deciding to bat first again, New Zealand managed just 132 for five.

Southee, who has played 68 T20 internationals, says they can't be too tough on themselves.

"When times are like this and it isn't so easy then guys can't go insular and sort of beat themselves up, you've got to get out there and keep trying your best and keep putting on a performance that is worthy of the New Zealand cricket team.

While New Zealand has batted first in the two games so far, Southee doesn't expect there'll be an automatic switch if captain Kane Williamson wins the toss in Hamilton tonight.

"Decisions are based around what we think the surface is best to do and we thought it was to bat first in those first two games, I don't think we did it overly well in the second game, in the first game we probably should have been able to defend that. I think its about whatever you do you've got to be able to do it well."

NZ captain Kane Williamson walks off after being caught during the Twenty/20 cricket international between India and New Zealand in Auckland.

Kane Williamson Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The team batting first in the last two T20 games at Seddon Park have gone on to win.

Southee says they can make improvements beyond the bat and ball.

"Something that we pride ourselves on is the way we field and the way we carry ourselves in the field and I think it's been a bit off in the first two games so there's one area that can lift and that's something that's not reflective of how you're batting or bowling, it's an attitude thing.

There is a good chance that the Black Caps will take the same eleven into their third straight game with the possibility that either of the Northern Districts players Scott Kuggeleign or Darryl Mitchell getting a start.

Tonight's game starts at 8pm.

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