Bumrah was back into action just in time for last year\u2019s ODI World Cup, where he picked 20 wickets, and went on to claim 19 scalps in four Tests against England earlier this year. In June, Bumrah was named Player of the Tournament by picking 15 wickets at an economy rate of 4.17 as India won the Men\u2019s T20 World Cup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe's been incredible obviously to be able to firstly bounce back from the major injury he had and come back and he's even better than what he was beforehand and then throw in on top of that having to juggle multiple formats can be difficult at times as well and he seems to have been able to do that with ease as well,\u201d said Southee.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe's probably more experienced, understands his game a bit more, he probably had that time where he was injured to come back and be recharged, refreshed and I think we've just seen a great version of Jasprit Bumrah across all three formats. He's brilliant across all three at the moment. I don't think there's anyone that he's better in, he's tremendous across all three,\u201d said Southee to reporters on the sidelines of a Cricket Rating Awards show in Mumbai.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
New Zealand are going to play a one-off Test against Afghanistan at Greater Noida in September, before travelling to Sri Lanka for a two-game Test series later in the month. New Zealand will be back in India in October for a three-match Test series and will fly back home to play three Tests against England.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Southee admitted he may not play all Test matches in the sub-continental conditions if the playing eleven needs to be balanced differently. \u201cIt is just natural when you come to this part of the world obviously spin plays a big part. But ideally, I would like to play all the test matches available. I love test cricket, but I understand there is a balance to the side and obviously it is not easy.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe have got nine Test matches in the next few months so there is a lot of Test cricket. So it is all about managing workloads. But for me, as long as you are fit and ready to go then I would like to play every game.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Asked how New Zealand makes its workload choices, Southee explained, \u201cI don't think you go in with too many preconceived ideas but that is something that may happen. I think you are picking your best side for that Test match no matter where you are in the world. So I think that stays true wherever you go.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cYou pick your best side to win over the five days. We have got a lot of cricket in the subcontinent, six Test matches and three Test matches back home. So there is a big chunk of Test cricket to be excited about over the next few months,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With Kane Williamson, Devon Conway and Finn Allen declining New Zealand Cricket's central contracts for the 2024\/25 season, Southee stated that the first two players will still be available for the majority of Blackcaps\u2019 Test matches.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIf you look at it from Kane and Devon's point of view, they're still committed to New Zealand cricket. We've got nine Test matches coming up. So they're committed to those test matches. So as far as the Test side is concerned, it's not too dissimilar. They're still going to be there even though they don't have a New Zealand contract,\u201d Southee added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Quizzed about how the changing landscape of T20 cricket will affect player availability for international cricket, Southee conceded he didn\u2019t have an answer to it. \u201cI don't have the answers right now. I don't think many people do. It's about working out what's best for each individual board and their players.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cNew Zealand Cricket has seemed to think that's the best way forward for the next 12 months. I don't think Kane and Devon will miss a lot of cricket for New Zealand. So for them to have the flexibility and ability in doing that but still also be committed to New Zealand, which I think that's where the casual playing agreement comes in.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Quizzed about how the changing landscape of T20 cricket will affect player availability for international cricket, Southee conceded he didn\u2019t have an answer to it. \u201cI don't have the answers right now. I don't think many people do. It's about working out what's best for each individual board and their players.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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