Cricket: Tim Southee not happy but looking to improve

Tim Southee is currently sitting out with an injury, but is hopeful he will continue to improve his form when he returns to the international scene. Photo/Photosport.nz

Injured Black Caps bowling spearhead Tim Southee hasn't been in his best form, but his current setback is offering a chance to sit back and reflect on a tough year.

The Whangarei local is sitting out New Zealand's test series in India with grade two ligament strain in his left ankle suffered at a training session.

Speaking in a wide-ranging interview with Tony Veitch, Southee talked about his struggles over the past few months in which he has taken only 14 wickets at 46.14.

"Obviously, you want to take wickets and contribute to the team. There's no better feeling than picking up bags of wickets every game," he said.

"You want to minimise those times you're not in your best form and still try to take wickets."

Southee hasn't been able to reach the level he was at two years ago, but has shown signs he was on his way back to that level in recent times.

"I had a couple of injuries over the summer, didn't play a lot of cricket," he said.

"Couple of poor test matches. Found in South Africa and Zimbabwe that I was bowling a lot better than in Australia, even though I wasn't getting the wickets."

Now sitting on the sidelines injured, Southee has been able to get a bit of perspective on his form over the last year.

"This setback isn't ideal but I'll keep working hard to get back to where I was a year ago.

"At the end of the day, if you're not taking wickets, you aren't doing your job and you can't help but look at the stats."

Southee hasn't been alone in his struggles. Fellow opener Trent Boult has been below his best, averaging just under 37 for his 19 wickets this year.

Southee said they realise they need to be better to help the team

"As a pair, Trent and I haven't been at that level we were for a while. We've shown glimpses but we are a better side when we are both firing and taking wickets," he said.

"It's frustrating."

Southee will rejoin the Black Caps for the One Day International leg of the Indian tour.