We deserve to play more Test matches: Tim Southee

New Zealand speedster Tim Southee who played an integral part in New Zealand’s World Test Championship win said that the side has been very consistent over a period of time and deserves to play more Test matches. The Black Caps mostly plays two-match Test series and have only played four three-matches series out of their last 18 outings in 5 years. 

"I guess one of our strengths as a side is that we sort of just concentrate on what's put in front of us, and what we try and achieve as a group, (but) I guess playing more Test cricket as a whole would be nice," Southee was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

"We don't play that many three-match series, so I guess just being able to play more Test matches and hopefully more three-match series rather than two-match series,” he added. 

New Zealand was one of the most consistent teams in the two year WTC cycle despite not winning a single series outside home. However, they managed to thrash India, West Indies and Pakistan at home to scrape past through to the final. 

In the inaugural final, New Zealand helped by the English conditions went onto demolish India by 8 wickets to become the first World Test champions. Southee said that playing three-match Test series is more challenging and gives more opportunity to the players to test themselves in the ultimate format. 

"But yeah, I think it's tough with future tours (programme) already being in place up to now, but just being able to perform at this level for a number of years and being a consistent side, I guess we have that right to play more Test cricket," Southee said.

"As players, Test cricket is the pinnacle of the game, and you always want to play more. It's something that we haven't played a lot of, three-match-series, so to be able to test yourself over three matches rather than just two matches…..

"...it's obviously a lot more taxing, it's a tougher battle to get yourself up and go again over three matches, but that's the beauty of it, and it's part and parcel of it, It's tough cricket, and you want to play as much as you possibly can,” the fast bowler added. 

Taking inspiration from the likes of Ross Taylor and James Anderson, the pacer said that he will look to prolong his career as much as possible. Ross Taylor has been one of the greatest servants for New Zealand and is currently 38 years old. 

On the other hand, James Anderson is already the most successful fast bowler in Tests and is still going strong at 38. It’s an unbelievable achievement for someone like Anderson to keep producing the goods, especially as a pacer even in this ripe age. 

"I feel as fit as I ever have, so I'd love to play this game for as long as I possibly can," Southee said.

"Seeing guys like James Anderson, at 38, still being able to do what he's doing gives everyone hope, Ross Taylor at 37 still being able to perform at this level.

"I think it comes down to the individual standards that you set yourself, and you're able to hold those high standards that it takes to play at this level, then I guess age is only a number. I hope there's a lot of life left in me,” the speedster concluded.