New Zealand’s two-Test series is part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship period (2021-23), and Sri Lanka still have a chance to reach the final in June if they win 2-0, but captain Tim Southee wants to make it as difficult for the tourists as possible.
Southee hopes his team can build on their thrilling victory over England last month when they host Sri Lanka in a two-Test series that begins on Thursday in Christchurch.
The Black Caps handed England their second Test loss under new coach Brendon McCullum when they defeated the Ben Stokes-led side by one run in Wellington last week, and the Kiwis now turn their attention to the visiting Sri Lanka for two red-ball matches in quick succession.
“It has been great to have the amount of people who have been talking about Test cricket, to see the Basin Reserve filled for five days was great to be a part of,” Southee said.
“I think, just in general, the guys are pleased to see people talking about Test cricket. And Test cricket is exciting. England have played their part in that, over the last year or so. The guys still see Test cricket as the pinnacle of the game.
“It is a match that will be talked about for a long time, but they are a very humble group. Now our focus will shift to Sri Lanka.
“We are obviously out of the Test Championship, and they have got plenty to play for over the next two weeks.”
