Champions Trophy 2025: Southee backs Kiwi mix of youth and experience to shine

Tim Southee confident in New Zealand's inexperienced bowling attack for Champions Trophy, praises young talent and leadership.

Former New Zealand fast-bowling great Tim Southee is confident that the Black Caps' inexperienced bowling attack will do a wonderful job at the upcoming Champions Trophy after watching them perform impressively in the recently-concluded tri-series in Pakistan.

The 36-year-old Southee, who has 776 international wickets for New Zealand across three formats, was an integral part of his country's team until his retirement in 2024.

With Trent Boult also not there and Lockie Ferguson looking highly unlikely, it will be Will O'Rourke, Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith and Matt Henry, who will share the pace-bowling load at the marquee ICC event.

"It's something different not having Trent (Boult) and myself at an ICC event but, at the same time, it's exciting. These events are great to be a part of and it's in front of these guys now, I'm very excited to see how they go.

"The way the team has played, different guys have stepped up. It's a good mix between some experienced guys and some exciting young guys with a lot of potential," Southee was quoted as saying in a ICC press release.

"The experience of this Tri-Nation Series is only going to stand them in good stead for the tournament. So, taking some momentum into the tournament and being accustomed to those conditions, it's only going to be a good thing," Southee said.

Southee, who has 221 ODI wickets, feels O'Rourke has the potential to become the backbone of the New Zealand attack in the coming days.