Former Indian middle-order batsman Dilip Vengsarkar has predicted the team having the upper hand between India and New Zealand in the ICC World Test Championship final. Before India and England clash in a high-voltage Test series, Virat Kohli’s men and Kane Williamson’s New Zealand will compete for the ultimate prize in Test cricket when they lock horns in the two-year tournament-decider on the 18th of June in Southampton. Like most experts, Dilip Vengsarkar believes the Kiwis are at an advantage.
The Black Caps stunned the men in blue in the 2019 World Cup semi-final in Manchester and scored a 2-0 victory when India visited New Zealand to play two Tests last year. Kane Williamson’s men will also play a couple of Tests against England before the decider, enabling them to acclimatize to the conditions probably better than their opposition. Their bowling attack, which is highly suitable to English tracks, has been seen as a significant reason why they have the upper hand.
On the other hand, India are currently leading the ICC World Test Championship’s points table with 520 points in their kitty, followed by New Zealand, who are 100 points away. Having beaten England and Australia in their last two Test series, Virat Kohli’s men are high on confidence and have momentum on their side. Moreover, they would be fresh, unlike New Zealand, who might suffer a loss to England and have injury problems ahead of the decider.
How quickly India adapts to the conditions will be important: Dilip Vengsarkar
Dilip Vengsarkar unequivocally believes New Zealand has the upper hand going into the tournament decider as he thinks India’s chances will depend on how quickly they get accustomed to the conditions. The 65-year old underlined that while New Zealand would be featuring in their third Test on the trot after playing two against the hosts, India will be playing their first in England.
“Of course, New Zealand will have an advantage because they play two Tests before the WTC final. It will help them. How quickly India adapts to the conditions will be important. But, New Zealand would have already had two Tests experience and would be playing in their third Test on the trot against India, while it will be the first on the tour for Kohli And Co,” Dilip Vengsarkar told News18.com.
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