New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee is excited by the challenge of facing India in the upcoming home series.
The 31-year-old is keen to move on from the disappointment of being dropped from the new year’s Test against Australia.
He is now fully focused on the upcoming five-game T20I series, which starts in Auckland on Friday.
New Zealand are available at 2.63 (11/8) with bet365 to start with a bang back on home soil.
India, meanwhile, are made short-priced favourites to take an early lead in the series. They can be backed at 1.50 (1/2) to bag the win at Eden Park.
Southee believes his teammates will have learned a lot from the disappointment of the 3-0 Test defeat in Australia.
He said: “We had a big chunk of Test cricket and the guys that were in Australia are reasonably experienced guys. They've had tough tours before and they've bounced back and the reason why they've played for a long period of time is they've been able to get through those ups and downs.
“It's about making that adjustment. What's gone is gone and it was very disappointing, the guys would have learned from it, and now we've got to look forward to the Indian series.”
Southee keen to move past new year’s Test snub
Southee says he was “gutted” after being dropped for the third Test in Australia but respected the call to bring in Matt Henry.
At the time, coach Gary Stead said the decision was more about his heavy workload than poor performance.
He added: “It's disappointing. You're gutted every time you're left out. It's an absolute dream to play for New Zealand and every time you do miss out it hurts, but you've got to respect the decisions and try to help out and give back to the team, even when you're not playing.”
However, he now hopes to help the Black Caps bounce back against visitors India.
Southee skippered New Zealand in nine T20s last year in the absence of Kane Williamson and believes he can help his captain this series.
He said: “It's a different challenge when you captain and it's something I enjoyed, but Kane's doing a great job, so I'll just try to help him out.”
