New Zealand hasn't played a Test since March, but they'll have little time to ease into the packed schedule awaiting them. Starting with a two-Test series against Sri Lanka in September, they will then embark on a three-Test tour of India in October and November before returning home to host England for another three Tests in November and December.
These eight Tests mark the final leg of New Zealand's World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, and they will likely need to secure at least five wins to stand a chance of reaching the final at Lord's.
A planned one-off Test against Afghanistan in Greater Noida, intended as a warm-up for subcontinental conditions, was washed out due to rain and a wet outfield. No play was possible, but captain Tim Southee chose to stay optimistic. On the eve of the first Test in Galle, Southee reflected on the team's preparation, stating that despite the missed match, they benefited from valuable training sessions and bonding time in India.
One key aspect of their preparation has been their focus on spin bowling, particularly with the addition of Sri Lankan great Rangana Herath as spin-bowling coach. Herath, who took over 100 wickets at Galle, has been working closely with New Zealand's three left-arm spinners and the rest of the spin attack.
While New Zealand’s squad includes spin specialists like Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel, the team's strength lies in its adaptability and variety. Players such as Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, and Michael Bracewell provide additional spin options, while a diverse seam attack featuring Southee, Matt Henry, Ben Sears, and Will O'Rourke offers flexibility across different conditions.
Southee acknowledged that Galle traditionally favours spinners but accentuated the potential rewards for pace bowlers who succeed in such conditions. He highlighted the balance within New Zealand's squad, noting that the team has a wide range of options to adjust to the varying demands of the series in Sri Lanka, India, and later at home.
In addition to the team’s goals, Southee is approaching a personal milestone. With 380 Test wickets to his name, he is just 20 wickets away from becoming only the second New Zealand bowler, after Sir Richard Hadlee, to reach 400 wickets. Southee, however, remains focused on contributing to the team’s success, recognising that achieving such milestones takes time, especially in challenging conditions like those in Sri Lanka.
New Zealand's ability to adapt and cover all bases will be crucial as they navigate this demanding schedule and aim to secure their place in the WTC final.