Team India Will Be Better Prepared For WTC Final Due To Early Suspension Of IPL: Ross Taylor
Published - 24 May 2021, 12:06 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:46 AM
New Zealand’s veteran batsman Ross Taylor feels that the early conclusion to the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) has given the Indian team the upper hand in terms of preparation for the upcoming final of the ICC World Test Championship to be played on June 18 in Southampton.
The IPL 2021 had to be postponed after 29 matches were played after multiple players, coaches and support staff contracted the COVID-19 virus and the bio-bubble had been breached. It all began with Sandeep Warrier and Varun Chakravarthy of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) testing positive for COVID-19 and then Amit Mishra of Delhi Capitals and Wriddhiman Saha of Sunrisers Hyderabad joined the list.
Early End Of IPL Gives India More Time To Get Conditioned, Their Bowlers Will Get Their Loads Up: Ross Taylor
The veteran of over 100 Tests for New Zealand, Ross Taylor felt that with the IPL 2021 ending early, the Indian team has more time to get conditioned to the England atmosphere, and their fast bowlers will be ready to go as New Zealand and India clash in the WTC final from June 18 at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.
“I couldn’t think of better preparation than playing two Test matches in England. At the end of the day, it is a neutral venue. In terms of India, IPL finishing early has probably played into the hands a little bit. If IPL had come, they would have had a smaller preparations. Now they will be a lot more conditioned, their bowlers will get their loads up,” said Ross Taylor in a virtual press conference.
However, New Zealand will be coming into the WTC final with two Tests against England under their belts and Ross Taylor said that those matches might work well for the Black Caps giving them an advantage.
“Playing these two Test matches gives us a slight advantage but this Indian team have been number one in the world for a long time and had a lot of success over here [in England]. I guess we can’t ask for a better schedule leading into the WTC final. At this time of the year bowlers will be relishing the conditions,” Ross Taylor added.
England and New Zealand will lock horns in two Tests, beginning June 2, with the first Test in Lord’s.
Also Read: New Zealand Batsmen Play The Moving Ball Better Than Indian Batsmen – Monty Panesar Says Kiwis Will Have The Edge If Conditions Favour Pacers
