Team India are ready to take on New Zealand in the inaugural edition of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) from June 18 in Southampton. And, if they manage to win, it will be a huge moment for the revival of the longest format just like the 2007 World T20 win did for the T20 format, feels the batting mainstay Cheteshwar Pujara.
“Yes of course, I think Test cricket needs to survive and with this WTC Final, it will definitely help,” Pujara said during the virtual media conference. “If we win, more young players in India will want to play Test cricket. And overall, even across the world, Test cricket needs to survive and this is a very good way to do it, having this WTC.”
He continued: “Personally, it means a lot as I play just one format (Tests). This is the first time we are playing this WTC Final. As a team, we have worked hard over a period of time. You have to win so many series away and at home. To be at top, it does require a lot of hard work. It’s like a World Cup final in any other format. This is the first time in Test format, but it’s very similar to playing a World Cup final in ODI or T20. As a team we are looking forward to the final.”
Meanwhile, New Zealand have been in good form considering their recently-concluded Test series win by 1-0 against England. And, Cheteshwar Pujara admitted that New Zealand will have an advantage in the final as well.
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“Well, it is (advantage New Zealand). But this is something which we can’t control. It’s been challenging times all over the world because of the pandemic. You can’t have all the luxuries of having extra time for preparation. The game is still going on, that’s the most important part. For all of us, we are playing the final which is very important. Even if preparation time is less, just maybe it’s a little bit of a disadvantage for us but if you are ready for the challenge, even in not favourable circumstances, you still want to do well,” Pujara, who has 6000 plus runs in Tests, said.
However, he also applauded India’s pace attack which comprised Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav alongside the youngsters like Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur. Notably, Thakur is not part of the final 15 as well
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“The reason we’ve reached the final is because of our bowling. They have been able to take 20 wickets and they have won so many Tests for us over a period of time. Our pacers are ready for this challenge,” Cheteshwar Pujara concluded.
