Southee optimistic ahead of Tri-Series

Black Caps bowler Tim Southee is confident  New Zealand can perform well in the upcoming ODI Tri-Series in Sri Lanka, despite missing their two most experienced players, Dan Vettori and Brendan McCullum.
Both senior players have cited family commitments that will see them miss the five-match series against India and Sri Lanka in August.
"It's obviously not ideal to be missing your two most experienced players, so I think the other senior guys have just got to step up a bit more," Southee said.
"Dan and Brendon have been great one-day players for us for a number of years and they'll leave a big hole, but I think there are plenty of other guys - even the newer guys like Grant Elliot and Jeetan Patel - who'll be wanting to step up so I don't think it'll be a major problem."
He pointed to the last time the Black Caps were without Daniel Vettori - against Australia in Napier in the first ODI against the Australians - they ended up with a two-wicket win.
Conditions in the central Sri Lankan city of Dambulla may differ markedly from the McLean Park track but Southee is looking forward to the trip. "I've never played for the Black Caps in Sri Lanka before so it'll be a good challenge," he said.
Another player  he thinks will play a starring role in New Zealand Cricket - if not in this series then certainly another - is Northern Districts batting all-rounder Kane Williamson, who will make his first Black Cap tour.
"It'll be a test for him to play the likes of India and Sri Lanka with their spinners and the low and slow wickets over there, but he's proved himself to be a good player in first-class cricket so he deserves a chance at the international level," he said.
"I'll be  interested to see how he goes, but I've got faith in him - he's going to be a great player one day - it might not happen overnight but he's got the ability to be around for a number of years."
Southee is uncertain what kind of bowling line-up the selectors will favour for the series, but given that the wickets will favour the spinners, the competition among the pace bowlers for a starting spot, may be keen.
"I'm not sure how many they'll take into each game, they might start with two and use Jake [Oram] and a couple of spinners, I'm not sure but it'll be an interesting experience," he said.
The Waiotira resident has had a good break and is raring to go.
He is part of a six-strong group that heads to Brisbane on Sunday for a few days of training before returning and joining the rest of the travelling squad for some conditioning in Darwin before the tri-series begins on August 10.