"NZ players still discuss World Cup heartbreak"

Southee feels that the group is still trying to come to terms with the loss, however, they are proud of the way they fared in the showpiece event.

Colombo: New Zealand pacer Tim Southee revealed that the Kiwi players still discuss the World Cup 2019 final against England.

Southee feels that the group is still trying to come to terms with the loss, however, they are proud of the way they fared in the showpiece event.

"There are a few guys here who were part of the World Cup. Our focus was there at the ODI format for quite some time and we now have to shift it to Test cricket. There are still conversations about what happened in England and also about what we were able to achieve as a group in those eight weeks," said Southee.

England Captain

"There's a lot of frustration and other emotions that come to mind. But when we dig deep, we are very proud of the way we represented New Zealand," he added.

The two-match series will see the two teams beginning their campaign in the ICC World Test Championship.

Southee believes the WTC will add further excitement to Test cricket as it will bring more context to bilateral series.

"World Test Championship is something new and exciting. There are many guys who enjoy playing Test cricket. And so, with the added edge of WTC, Test cricket becomes all more exciting," said Southee.

"It will be nice to go back to Lord's in a couple of years and play the finals."

The first Test will be played at Galle on August 14.