Legendary West Indies player Curtly Ambrose feels that India will start as favourites in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand. However, he also added that New Zealand are capable of turning the table anytime since they are a well-knit unit as well.
Howveer, India and New Zealand will play against each other in the summit clash in Southampton from June 18 to 22. While India has started their training, the Kiwis are currently playing a two-match Test series against England at Edgbaston.
The former Windies fast bowler said: “In the first Test match against England that was drawn, you could see they (the Kiwis) really played well as a team. It’s not going to be an easy Test match, this World Test Championship final (WTC). India, I believe, may start as favorites. But you can never discard New Zealand. They have a knack for upsetting the big teams.”
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Curtly Ambrose further added: “Cricket is played on the field of play, not on paper. If you don’t go out in the middle and get the job done, then it won’t work. New Zealand have a knack for turning up and causing some headaches for teams all over the world. They look forward to a serious challenge. I am looking forward to that clash, to be quite honest.”
However, the veteran also shared that New Zealand won’t be an easy side to play against even if they have hardly star players, not like Team India. But many believe the Kiwis will have the advantage in the WTC Final, considering they have been featuring in the Tests before the mega event. On the other hand, India won’t have any series before that as they will play a five-match Test series against England after the event.
He said: “New Zealand won’t be an easy pushover for India. India has got a fantastic team, we all know that. New Zealand don’t have too many big stars in their line-up. But they always find a way to win because they have played together so long and believe in their ability. That is the difference.”
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Meanwhile, New Zealand has got a big blow ahead of the Edgbaston Test as their captain Kane Williamson was ruled out due to an elbow injury. And, according to Curtly Ambrose, the game could have been a good opportunity for him to prepare prior to the WTC final.
“It is sad for Kane Williamson because this is the last Test match before the World Test Championship (WTC) begins shortly. He would have loved to have played to get some practice. Unfortunately, he can’t,” said Ambrose.”But he is a quality player. So I am sure once his elbow is much better, he will go to the nets, probably do extra work and prepare himself for the World Test Championship,” Curtly Ambrose concluded.
