"Asia Cup Will Be Big Part Of India's Preparations For World Cup": Tim Southee

With the World Cup less than two months away, New Zealand pace spearhead Tim Southee says the upcoming Asia Cup will be a big part of India's preparations for the showpiece, while admitting that scheduling of T20 competitions has made it difficult for teams to align resources. India announced an extended 17-member squad for the Asia Cup starting August 30, including Sanju Samson as travelling stand-by player since KL Rahul — the preferred wicketkeeper-batter at No. 5 — has picked up a niggle to his original injury.

"I guess ideally you want to play as much as you can together and to lead into a World Cup. But I think you look at the Asia Cup, and what better place to have your team together around that? "I'd imagine that is going to be a big part of the Indian team's preparation at the Asia Cup," Southee told the media here on the sidelines of the Ceat Cricket Rating Award on Monday.

Southee also backed the Indian batters to have plans against left-arm pace, while acknowledging the role of compatriot Trent Boult and Pakistan's Shaheen Shah Afridi in causing troubles.

"I don't know what it is, but it was always handy to have a left-armer — something probably people don't face a lot of. Those two guys that you mentioned, Shaheen Shah and Trent Boult, are quality bowlers and have caused a lot of players headaches over the years," said the Kiwi bowler.

"I do not think it is too much of an issue. I'm sure the Indian players — world class players — will have solid game plans to whoever bowler they come up against," he added.

The 34-year-old said New Zealand hope to have a fit Kane Williamson in time for the World Cup.

"Kane is doing everything possible to make sure he's alright for the World Cup. We won't know until we get