Wellington [New Zealand]: New Zealand would be using pacers Trent Boult and Tim Southee carefully in the upcoming series against Bangladesh in order to keep them fresh and get through the busy home that ends with the Test series against South Africa in March, said coach Mike Hesson.
While Boult is expected to sit out of the last ODI and the start of the three-match T20I series that follows, Southee will miss the T20 leg altogether to stay fresh for the first Test that begins in Wellington on January 12.
“It’s always a balancing act with guys that play all three forms, especially the bowlers,” Hesson was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. “We’ll give them a chance to get their loads up so they’re ready to go for the Test match.”
Boult took six wickets in three matches at an average of 30 in three-match Chappell-Hadlee series against Australia.
The New Zealand coach further indicated there may be other personnel too, apart from the two pacers, who could be rested.
The Blacks recent ODI form has not been great as they lost 3-2 in India before being blanked 3-0 in Australia. However, Hesson has put his faith behind the team’s ability to bounce back.
“I think it’s been good the guys have had 10-12 days home playing some domestic cricket,” he said.
“They are getting some confidence back, and on the back of a couple of wins in India .. it wasn’t too long ago that had some pretty good memories,” he added. (ANI)