Former New Zealand head coach Mike Hesson has recently revealed that both India and New Zealand are equally strong to be the winner of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final which starts at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on June 18 as well.
Hesson further added that he is looking forward to how the Indian top-order will face the swinging ball from the Kiwis bowling attack in Southampton when the cross breeze comes into play. He also said that the match will test the captaincy of both Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson, considering that the wicket will change from day to day during the game as well.
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“They are even (India and New Zealand). The fact that it’s being played at a neutral venue also makes the WTC final an even contest. Assuming there are no injuries in the next couple of weeks, both sides will be at full strength, and we are in for an exciting contest,” said Mike Hesson to The Times of India.
“I am keen to see how India’s top-order fares against the swinging ball. The ball does a bit in Southampton and as the cross breeze comes into play, it can be a challenge for the batsmen. How the Indian top order plays the New Zealand pacers could decide the outcome,” Hesson again shared.
Hesson, who has also worked with the Indian skipper Virat Kohli as the director of cricket operations of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise in the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL), added that both Kohli and Kane Williamson are good leaders, and that is why both the teams will play the final as well.
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“Both are very good leaders and yes both are different in their style of captaincy. Kane is more of a slow-burn in the sense that he likes to put pressure over a period of time. Virat, on the other hand, is constantly looking for ways to put his side in the driver’s seat. The WTC final will be a test of captaincy for both. As the wicket changes from day to day, it will be interesting to see how both Kane and Virat make those little tweaks in their strategies to stay ahead,” concluded Mike Hesson.
