Test cricket is "the pinnacle" of the game, says Tim Southee

Southee also confirmed bowler Blair Tickner will make his debut in the first Test against England

New Zealand captain, Tim Southee, believes Test cricket is "the pinnacle" of the game despite the distractions available with short-form franchise competitions.

Over the past 12 months a number of New Zealand players have stepped away from Test cricket, or the international stage all together, in order to focus on their franchise careers.

Trent Boult was among the players to turn down a central contract and while he is back in the country following a stint in the ILT20, he has not been called upon for this series.

However, Southee was quick to confirm that his priorities lie with in the longest format.

Southee said: "It's something most people are looking at and weighing up, there's so much cricket.

"The times are changing and more tournaments popping up around the world, but for me at the moment I see Test cricket as the pinnacle. I'm loving it and as far as I'm concerned my focus is solely on the two Test matches coming up and trying to perform for New Zealand."

^{Southee was full of praise for his opposite number, Ben Stokes [Phil Walter/Getty Images]}

^{Blair Tickner (left) will make his Test debut against England [Phil Walter/Getty Images]}

With the inaugural SA20 being a success in South Africa, the ILT20 in the UAE, The Hundred coming into the UK two years ago and the success of the PSL, IPL and Big Bash there has been talk for some years that perhaps Test cricket could fall by the wayside.

However one of the ways those fears have been brushed aside is through the rejuvenation of England's men's side under the influence of captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum over the past year.

"Credit to Ben and Brendon and the way they've turned things around and made it exciting for people to come and watch and be part of it," Southee added.

"Times are changing with franchise cricket and short-format cricket, but the majority of players still see it as the pinnacle."

In addition to missing Boult, Kyle Jamieson has been ruled out of the series due to a back injury while Matt Henry will miss the first Test to attend the birth of his second child. Jacob Duffy and Scott Kuggelejin have been called up as replacements.

Southee also confirmed that 29-year-old right-arm pace bowler Blair Tickner will make his Test debut in the first match at Mount Maunganui. Tickner has taken 178 wickets at 35.17 in 61 first-class outings and has been capped at international level in both white-ball formats.

He said: "He's been around the group for a while now and had a taste in the one-day and T20 formats. It's exciting for him and his family for what should be a very special occasion."

With Cyclone Gabrielle affecting much of New Zealand, play may be disrupted across the next five days. However, the match is expected to start as scheduled on Thursday, February 16 at 2pm local time (1pm GMT). 

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