Black Caps Play Down Southee's Absence

The Black Caps are playing down Tim Southee's limited involvement on day one of the three-day tour match against a Cricket Australia XI in Sydney.

New Zealand's pace spearhead bowled just three overs before leaving the field with illness.

The Australians went on to amass 376 without loss at stumps, with Aaron Finch smashing 214 not out and Ryan Carters an unbeaten 156.

Fellow Black Caps bowler Matt Henry says Southee is fine, but just felt a bit under the weather.

"Obviously no point pushing him, just rest up. There's plenty of bowlers out there so it was good to get some time under his belt."

The Black Caps expect Tim Southee to be sufficiently prepared for next week's first test against Australia. Henry said Southee won't be short of a gallop as they've had plenty of cricket in the last couple of weeks.

"I'm sure he'll get a run and we've always got 0plenty of preparation for Brisbane as well so I'm not worried about that. He's bowling really well so there are no questions there really." 

Matt Henry bowled 19 overs for 62 runs.

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