Aggression and an appetite for wickets were a given so if they adhered to that mantra then it helped stem the flow of runs later on in the innings, he explained when asked if the Kiwis had a policy of avoiding the 35-50 stage. The vulnerability of batsmen in their first 6-10 balls made them easy prey.
"If you're on song then it can expose any of their weaknesses earlier on in the innings then it can go a long way to getting them earlier."
It was unusual for the ball to swing when it hadn't displayed that trait for a long time but he was at a loss to come up with a reason.
Like snake charmers, the bowlers have managed to make it dance to their tune until it's 15 overs old.
However, he was mindful if the ball didn't keep to the script then alternatives would have to be found.
While Pakistan coach and former world-class strike bowler Waqar Younis felt the yorker was still the best delivery Southee said fewer of them were on bowlers' menus because they were difficult to defend with only four men out of the circle.
He remained a firm believer of having yorkers in one's arsenal because it was difficult to dig out of the crease no matter what the calibre of a batsman.
"Our boys practise it a lot so you'll see it when we're under pressure."
He sympathised with Afghanistan travelling from Perth but preferred to focus on his own team's variables rather than extending rivals sympathy.
"Nothing changes from our side because the opposition aren't a top-tier nation.
"It's a great opportunity for fans to come down to Napier to watch a World Cup game because it's something not many of them will experience again."
Asked if 400-run scores were good for the game, Southee bluntly said: "No."
However, he accepted if it brought fans through the turnstiles then bowlers needed to redefine their portfolios.
"I think it's tough as a bowler but, I guess, you have to adapt like anything else," he said, adding the sooner bowlers came to the realisation they won't be claiming 2-30 the quicker they would learn to minimise the days they take some stick.
"It's been a dream start sitting here four from four and going into two more crucial games. I think the guys are in a very good space and we're playing reasonably good cricket."
While all the talk was about batting, the bowlers were sharing the load with veteran spinner Daniel Vettori among the leading wicket takers.
Southee had no doubt the batsmen would have their turn.
The "sub fielders" of Kyle Mills, Nathan McCullum, Mitchell McClenaghan and Tom Latham had a "brilliant" mentality, "banging the door down and waiting for their chance".
"They are training the house down, bowling exceptionally well in the nets and offering lots ... yeah, their heads are up and doing what's best for the team," he said, lauding their work ethics.
