New Zealand's Tim Southee ideally would have some competitive bowling behind him before returning to test action. Photo / AP
He's over there, but don't bank on Tim Southee being recalled to lead the New Zealand bowling attack in the second test against Bangladesh next week.
Southee had ankle surgery in July and was omitted from the test squad to Bangladesh.
But the door was left open depending on how
rapidly he regained full fitness and form.
He flew to Bangladesh and has been training but did not play in the drawn first test at Chittagong - where New Zealand opted for a two-two seam and spin attack with backup in both departments, respectively, from new cap Corey Anderson and Kane Williamson.
Southee, 24, has taken 83 wickets at 34 in his 26 tests. But, more relevantly, he has taken 38 in his last eight tests over the past 14 months at 22 apiece, including 10 for 108 in the loss to England at Lord's in May - only the second New Zealander after Dion Nash to take a double-figure haul at the game's most famous ground - a career-best seven for 64 at Bangalore and eight for 130 in the test win at Colombo late last year.
