India and New Zealand will be coming off different paths when both teams will collide against each other in the World Test Championship Final in Southampton. India are likely to go into the game being under-prepared while New Zealand are in line to play two Test matches against England in the buildup of the marquee clash. This will result in New Zealand playing three Test matches in a span of 20 days.
Tim Southee will be a vital cog in NZ’s chances in England
New Zealand’s tour will begin with a three-day practice match from 26 May before the first Test starts at Lord’s on June 2. The second Test will be played in Birmingham from 10 June while the WTC final is scheduled to be played from 18 June in Southampton.
However, Kiwi pacer Tim Southee isn’t worried about the workload going into the WTC final. “It’s exciting to play three Test matches in a short space of time. It is something that the team doesn’t get to do that often. We’ve come off a bit of a break, which has been nice, and (we have) been able to get some conditioning into our bodies, the guys that have come from the IPL and are going to be playing some cricket,” said Southee.
“So, the guys are refreshed in some sort of way, using the next couple of weeks to get ourselves prepared and ready to play three Test matches. They are in quick succession but we have had a chance to prepare physically leading into this with some strength and conditioning stuff. Now, it’s just getting our loads to a point over the coming weeks so that we can rock on to those three Test matches.”
Neil Wagner has hinted that New Zealand aren’t looking at England series as warm-up games before the marquee clash. Southee also stressed the same while saying it’s an amazing opportunity.
“I think anytime you get a chance to play a Test match for New Zealand, it’s an amazing opportunity and it’s something that you treasure, so I don’t think you would treat them as warm-ups. It’s a two-match Test series against England and so our focus is first and foremost on those two matches against England,” he added.
“For us, it is great to have those matches in the lead-in to the final that follows on afterwards. It’s great preparation for the final but in saying that, for us, it’s a two-match Test series that we’re really looking forward to, and the quality English opposition in these conditions.”
Team India will enter in WTC final with lack of game time
England have a blockbuster summer in line. After hosting Kiwis for two Tests, they will lock horns against India in a mouth-watering five-match Test series, starting in August.
“England are very tough in their own conditions. They obviously perform pretty well in these conditions. They’ve got a few new guys who are probably going to be very excited at the opportunity to play for England and try and get their mark on international cricket over the summer. I’m sure, as it always is when New Zealand plays England that’s usually a pretty exciting, pretty close Test series and I imagine this is going to be no different,” Southee further added.
