ICC World Test Championship Final: 5 New Zealand Players Who Will Be Benched

New Zealand are shaping itself quite well ahead of the ICC World Test Championship final against India at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. The Kiwis are on the brink of creating history as they prepare to consign England to their first home Test series defeat in seven years. Not many gave New Zealand a real chance of outplaying England in their backyard; however, they could well accomplish it on Sunday.

Even as New Zealand carried out six changes for the second Test, including leaving out Kane Williamson due to an injury, they have managed to stay on top for the best part of three days. New Zealand also dominated the first Test at the Lord’s; hence, toppling England in their backyard would be a warning shot for India ahead of the decider. Yet, a handful of players have to warm the bench in the final in Southampton since only 11 players could be accommodated.

Here we take a look at 5 New Zealand players who will be benched in the ICC World Test Championship Final:

Daryl Mitchell:

Daryl Mitchell replaced Colin de Grandhomme for the ongoing second Test against England at the Edgbaston. Colin de Grandhomme recorded only nine runs in the first Test at Lord’s and went wicketless; however, the Zimbabwean bowled economically. Hence, Mitchell was slotted in the side, but he registered a single-figure score as well without taking a wicket and bowling miserly.

Despite Colin De Grandhomme not coming up with the runs at a crucial juncture in the first Test, he is likely to play in Southampton against India. The right-handed batsman is not only a game-changer with the bat but with the ball too. De Grandhomme’s nagging line and lengths if there are overcast conditions could maintain the pressure on the Indian batsmen.

Tom Blundell:

Though it remains unclear whether BJ Watling will recover from a sore back in time for the final; however, if he does, the veteran will likely replace Tom Blundell. Tom Blundell is currently keeping the wickets in the second Test against England as he was one of the six changes made by the tourists. Blundell has done a decent job and scored 34 in New Zealand’s first innings total of 388.

Nevertheless, BJ Watling has been an indispensable member of the Test side and has the highest number of dismissals amongst the current keeper-batsmen. The 35-year old, who will retire from international cricket after the decider against India in Southampton, deserves a fitting farewell. Hence, in all likeliness, Watling will play in the final.

Mitchell Santner:

Spin-bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner played in the first Test against England at the Lord’s; however, there was not much to show in terms of numbers. Mitchell Santner delivered 13 overs for 68 runs across two innings without wickets and registered a duck in the second innings. Thus, the tourists decided to give Ajaz Patel a go in the second Test.

With Ajaz Patel doing exceptionally well in Edgbaston, Santner’s hopes of playing in the final are all but almost done. Even though Santner provides the batting depth, New Zealand has got the likes of Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson – both of who have proved their mettle with the bat. Thus, the Kiwis might see no reason of playing Santner in the decider.

Ajaz Patel:

Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel has done outstandingly well in his first Test since February 2020, replacing Mitchell Santner for the second match against England in Southampton. Ajaz Patel managed to dismiss Ollie Pope and Olly Stone in the first innings to claim figures of 14-4-34-2 and scored a crucial 20 runs in New Zealand’s 388 in response to England’s 303.

The 32-year old has delivered two more significant breakthroughs in the second innings by removing Joe Root and James Bracey to put New Zealand under total control. But Patel is unlikely to feature in the decider, given how penetrative seamers have been. With the likes of Matt Henry, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee, and Kyle Jamieson all troubling India in the past, it is tough to leave them out.

Will Young:

Will Young fulfilled the role of the number three batsman remarkably well in the second Test against England in Birmingham as he scored 82 off 204 deliveries. He helped New Zealand add 122 with Devon Conway after the early loss of stand-in captain Tom Latham. The right-handed batsman, who replaced Kane Williamson, harsh call or not, has to make way for the full-time skipper to slot back.

Will Young has done more than enough to not only justify his inclusion against England, but also in the decider against India. But with Kane Williamson expected to be fit in time for the big game in Southampton, New Zealand has no choice but to swap. While Young could also occupy one of the opening slots, the Kiwis may not want to break the opening partnership of Tom Latham and Devon Conway soon since it looks ominous.

Also Read: Top 8 Fastest Double Centuries In ODI Cricket