Southee hoping for Test recall

Tim Southee, the New Zealand fast bowler, is aiming to regain his Test position during the upcoming tour of Bangladesh after being overtaken by Iain O'Brien in England this year. Southee made a splash when he debuted against England in Napier in March, when he claimed five wickets and made 77 from 40 balls.

But his second Test outing, at Lord's, was less successful and O'Brien grabbed his opportunities when Southee was initially laid low by a stomach bug. If ever there was a tour on which to regain form it would be in Bangladesh and Southee, 19, is hoping he gets a recall.

"I just had a poor Test, one of those Tests where nothing came off and then Iain O'Brien came in and took his chance," Southee told the Dominion Post. "But the one-day series afterwards gave me a bit of confidence that I can perform at this level. I've trained hard lately. I'm looking forward to playing in Bangladesh and using it for the tour that follows in Australia."

Southee spent Wednesday at a training camp for the New Zealand bowlers in Auckland, where he got back into the swing of cricket at the end of his off-season. Heading to Bangladesh will be a major change for Southee, who has been helping look after the sheep on his family farm during his time off.

"I've never been to Bangladesh but I've been to Sri Lanka and India, and I'm guessing it will be similar to that and the white ball will swing around early on, then scuff up on the surface reasonably quickly," he said. "If it doesn't swing, you have to have something up your sleeve."

The tour begins with three one-day internationals followed by two Tests. New Zealand are set to depart for Bangladesh next week.