Former Indian fast bowler Ajit Agarkar has highlighted the challenges which India can face in the World Test Championship final.
The Indian team will need to hit the ground running as they don’t have much time to get used to the conditions. On the other hand, New Zealand is currently playing their second Test match against England and they will be well prepared.
Agarkar stated that New Zealand pace battery has got a lot of variety as Kyle Jamieson can use his height to good advantage and get the extra bounce from the surface.
On the other hand, Trent Boult and Tim Southee can get the ball to swing both and can trouble the Indian batsmen with the new Duke ball in the English conditions.
Furthermore, Neil Wagner can bowl long spells and can hit the deck hard. Wagner is relentless in his bowling approach and he will look to be at his best.
Ajit Agarkar said on Star Sports Game Plan, “It has certainly got a lot of variety. I mean it is because you look at someone like Jamieson who is a tall guy and will pose a different challenge.
Boult and Southee both will bowl, one delivery coming into you, one delivery going away from you, as a right-hander. And then Wagner, when nothing is happening, and you know, everything seems flat, he comes and does something and has been doing it on a regular basis.
Moreover, Agarkar added that the English conditions are quite similar to New Zealand and the Kiwis know how to get the best out of themselves in the favourable conditions.
“So the challenges are a bit different. Also what works in their favor is the condition, because you are playing in England, it is almost like what you get in New Zealand. So that makes it a little bit easier with that Duke ball which does swing around. So the challenges are a lot. More so because India has not had any Test cricket in recent time, not a Test cricket away from home since the Australia tour. Australian conditions are completely different. So that’s the biggest challenge. And that’s why I feel the preparations got to be the key.”
A lot of cricket experts believe that New Zealand will hold the advantage as they will be able to get used to the conditions. The WTC final will take place at Ageas Bowl, Southampton from June 18.
