'It was a no-brainer' - Tim Southee praises Kyle Jamieson for politely declining Virat Kohli's request

New Zealand are set to feature in two Tests with England starting on June 02 and then compete against India in the finale of the ICC World Test Championship final (WTC) which is scheduled to begin on June 18 in Southampton.

Ahead of the series and WTC final, senior New Zealand pacer Tim Southee has praised Kyle Jamieson, who was part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Royal Challengers Bangalore, for politely denying skipper Virat Kohli to bowl with a Dukes ball during the nets session.

Apart from being a world-class player, Kohli is also known for being one of the smartest cricketers. He wanted to get insights from Jamieson ahead of the marquee clash between the two teams. The 26-year-old Kiwi cricketer was clever enough to know his RCB skipper’s plans and denied the offer. Southee was happy with the refusal of Jamieson and said it was a “no-brainer”.

“I’m pretty sure that story is true. But that would be the answer to most batsmen – why would you give them a look? It was smart from Virat to see if he’d fall into the trap but for Kyle, it was a no-brainer to not give the guy a glimpse of what he’ll be facing [in the final],” Southee told The Guardian ahead of the series opener against England.

 Tim Southee feels Kyle Jamieson is a huge asset for the side

Australia and RCB allrounder Dan Christian was also impressed by the polite refusal by Jamieson and stated he showed a lot of character against a great player like Kohli.

In his short Test career so far, Jamieson has already impressed the New Zealand management and selectors by picking 36 wickets in six Tests at an astonishing average of 13.27. He has also scored 226 runs at an average of 56.50 and has become a vital member of the Blackcaps. Southee expressed that the lanky pacer’s addition to the team has given them an X-factor.

“But yes, a guy who bowls from 6ft 8in will only enhance any attack like ours. He’s a great kid and driven to improve. He swings the ball and always asks questions, bowling a full length. He’s invaluable with the bat too – a massive asset for the side,” Southee added.