New Zealand Would Definitely Hold An Edge Over India In The WTC Final - Salman Butt

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt opines New Zealand will have an advantage over India going into the World Test Championship final, which is slated for 18th June in Southampton.

Salman Butt cites the 2-Test series between New Zealand and England as the reason for his claim. Starting June 2nd, Kane Williamson’s side will take on Joe Root’s team in a 2-Test series prior to the WTC final. Hence, he feels that the Kiwis will have the momentum on their side before the mega-finale having already played 2 Tests there.

On the other hand, the Indian team will leave for the UK on June 2 and will have to undergo a mandatory quarantine period before being allowed to train in groups. They are expected to play an intra-squad match among themselves as the Indian contingent contains 20 players, plus reserves.

“Since the match is in June and since New Zealand would be better prepared for the English conditions (due to the two-Tests series against England before the WTC final), they would definitely hold an edge. New Zealand would have the momentum because of continuity in Test cricket as they would go (into the final) on the back of two matches. Whereas, India (without any match practice), would be waiting for them in the finals,” Salman Butt said in his YouTube video.

Another difference will be how their bowling line-ups shape up: Salman Butt

Salman Butt, who has the experience of playing 8 Tests in England before he got the ban, says that the conditions will be challenging for the batters and their techniques will be tested against the moving ball.

The 36-year-old also asserts that the pace attacks of both teams have to be on the money otherwise the batters would pounce on any errors from them. While both India and New Zealand comprise some well-established batsman, it is their bowling attacks that have hogged plenty of talks for now.

“I think the application of technique (could decide the result) if the conditions are truly English. If the English weather plays its part and there is off-the-pitch seam movement, then it will show which team has stronger basics and which team has better technique application.

“Another difference will be how their bowling line-ups shape up because line and length play a massive role usually. When you play on a pitch that provides assistance to the pace bowlers, then line and length are crucial. If you are off the mark, runs will be scored,” the former opener concluded.

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