New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has shared his requirements for the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship (WTC) final where they will play against India in Southampton from June 18. He feels that there is a lot of rain around already and believes the Indian bowling attack is ‘fantastic’ and has a lot of ‘depth’ as well.
“Yeah, they have got a fantastic attack. Brilliant, obviously a brilliant side. Throughout we have seen the depth they have as well, certainly saw that in Australia as well. A lot of strengths in their fast bowling and spin department,” said Kane Williamson in an interview on International Cricket Council (ICC) website. “So yeah, [India are] a brilliant side, ranked right up the top, which is fair enough and an exciting opportunity for us to be involved in the final taking on the best.”
The Kiwi captain again shared that they are not thinking about their defeat in the 2019 50-over World Cup final, where they lost in the final due to boundary count as well.
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“Certainly not something that the guys have spoken about. I guess being a different side really with a different format as well… The match you mentioned was a very memorable one and obviously it had some controversy and it had everything, and people loved watching it, at the end of the day. That is why people got a lot out of it. Hopefully, it (WTC final) is a great spectacle, and we get a decent crowd, and it is a really good game!,” further added Kane Williamson.
Meanwhile, New Zealand are currently playing against England in a two-match Test series where the first Test ended in a draw as well. The second Test will start soon. While talking about the preparation for the WTC final, he said: “Yeah, the two Tests against England before the WTC final are important matches and ones the guys are looking forward to. But naturally, there is a carrot at the end that has taken a long time to, I suppose, to accumulate points and have the opportunity to be involved in it. To get that chance is exciting and the guys know it. You know it’s sort of the third Test match of the mini-series I suppose, and they are really excited to be involved.”
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However, he also gave the hint that the pitch for the WTC final could provide swing and seam during to rain around and hoped to keep less amount of grass on the pitch as well. “Mow it a bit, give it a roll maybe! I do not know the team yet, let us see what the conditions are. What we have seen so far is pretty much rain, every day. It is nice to be outside to be honest, just getting some experience facing the Dukes (ball) in different conditions,” Kane Williamson concluded.