Experienced Black Caps bowler Tim Southee has blasted the state of the pitch for the second Test against Bangladesh, calling it “probably the worst wicket I’ve come across in my career”.
New Zealand won the Test at Sher-e-Bangla stadium in Dhaka by four wickets after an unbeaten 40 from Glenn Phillips and 35 not out by Mitchell Santner guided the Black Caps to the target of 137 on the fourth day. Day two was lost to rain.
The match saw the third-lowest number of balls bowled in a Test (1069) for 36 wickets to fall. New Zealand’s first innings score of 180 in reply to Bangladesh’s 172 was the highest in the match.
“There’s a number of ways I could describe that wicket,” captain Southee said.
“I think for the match to be all over in 170 overs is a fair reflection on the wicket. It wasn’t great – there certainly wasn’t an even battle between bat and ball … we’ll leave it there.”
When asked again about the pitch, though, Southee, who turns 35 tomorrow and has played 96 Tests, couldn’t help himself.
"It's probably the worst wicket I’ve come across in my career.
“The balance between bat and ball was heavily favoured in the bowlers’ hands,” he added.
“To lose the toss as well and then to come out on top on a wicket like that was very pleasing.”
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto defended the pitch, saying: "When we play Tests, we are not here to improve. This is not a place for practice. We are trying to win the Test.
"It is important that we prepare to win the Test, but we should definitely take this type of advantage. We can prepare in first-class cricket by trying out good wickets.”
New Zealand’s victory allowed them to level the two-Test series 1-1 after defeat in the first Test in Sylhet.
Phillips, who scored 87 in the first innings and took 3-31, was named player of the match. Ajaz Patel took 6-57 in Bangladesh’s second innings.
“To come in and play like he knows how in only his third Test, that’s a sign of the guy – he’s a very positive guy with the way he plays,” Southee said of Phillips.
“It’s pleasing to see on a difficult wicket. Looking back, a lot of his special innings have come on difficult wickets.”
New Zealand's next assignment is a home ODI series against Bangladesh starting in Dunedin next Sunday.
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