Pune, Dec. 26: New Zealand’s second hat-trick taker (the first was Jacob Oram) in Twenty20 internationals, Tim Southee’s talent was first spotted by Sir Richard Hadlee.
On January 30, 2008, Southee, 20 years old then, was named in the New Zealand squad for two T20 games and three ODIs against England.
New Zealand cricket selection manager, Sir Richard Hadlee then had said: “Why delay producing a player of some talent? Perhaps, I could compare him with Brendon McCullum when he started (in 2002) — he had a lot of potential.”
“It might take a lot of time for Tim to find his feet but why wait two or three years when someone is in a special category? The feed back we’re getting is that this guy has got it. He runs in relatively straight, he gets through his action nicely and he moves the ball, particularly away from the batsman,” he said.
“I am happy for his hat-trick to-day (against Pakistan). I watched him play (on TV) from Christchurch,” Sir Richard said on the telephone. “He bowled a good line and length and was able to swing the ball. He has enough energy and potential to succeed,” he added.