During the second ODI, New Zealand’s veteran pacer Tim Southee created the record of dismissing Virat Kohli for the most number of times in international cricket. Well, the pacer has called Indian captain a ‘class’ player, while also adding that he doesn’t have ‘many weaknesses’.
In Auckland, Southee’s effort restricted India to chase down the target and gave the team an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. He scalped two wickets, giving away just 41 runs.
The 31-year-old has now become the most successful bowler against Kohli. He has dismissed Kohli nine times across formats, overtaking James Anderson and Graeme Swann, who each had got the better of Kohli on eight occasions.
“He’s obviously a class player and doesn’t have many weaknesses. The wicket offered a little bit of assistance with the new ball and if you got it in the right area there was enough there to ask a few questions,” Southee was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz.
He further added, “I guess it’s your job to take wickets and it’s always nice when you get the key players in the opposition out. He’s a great player and been in great form, especially in run chases he’s been exceptional. It’s always nice to see the back of him.”
Tim Southee delighted with New Zealand’s comeback:
India was dominant over the hosts in the T20I series before losing the ODI series. Southee was delighted by the way how New Zealand dealt with the previous setback and fought back in the ODIs.
“It is always great to play India. Obviously the T20 series did not go according to plan but the one-day games have been great. The one-day side played some great cricket for a while although we are missing a couple of guys,” the right-arm pacer said.
India and New Zealand will play the third ODI on Tuesday, at Mount Maunganui’s Bay Oval. Then, the two teams will head to play in a two-match Test series that begins from 21st February in Wellington.