London: New Zealand pacer Tim Southee said that the upcoming two-match Test series against England would serve as great preparation for his team as it gears up for the marquee World Test Championship final against India here.New Zealand will play two Tests against England at the Lord’s (June 2 to 6) and Edgbaston (June 10 to 14). The WTC final is scheduled from June 18.
Asked if the focus will be on the WTC decider, Southee said: Anytime you get to play a Test for New Zealand, it is an amazing opportunity. I don’t think you treat the matches as warm-ups. Our focus is first and foremost on the two-match series against England. But, the 32-year-old didn’t deny that it would indeed be a great opportunity to prepare for the battle against India. “It is great to have matches leading to the final. It is a great preparation for the final, but we are now looking at the series against a quality English side in its own conditions, added Southee.