Former Indian opener, Virender Sehwag reckons that the contest between Rohit Sharma and Trent Boult with the fiery incoming deliveries of the latter will be a fascinating one during the World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand, scheduled to be commencing in Southampton on June 18. Sehwag, who redefined the art of opening batting in Test cricket, feels that Rohit’s qualities and recent form at the top of the order certainly make him a candidate to succeed during the six Test matches that India is scheduled to be playing in this English summer.

Describing the same during a recent chat with PTI, Virender Sehwag said, “No doubt Trent Boult-Tim Southee combination will pose a lot of challenge for Indians. They can move the ball both ways and are brilliant while bowling in partnerships also. Boult vs Rohit Sharma will be a contest that aI would be looking forward to. If Rohit gets set and see off Boult’s opening spell, it will be a treat to watch.”

While this would be the first incident when Rohit will be opening the innings for India (in Tests) in English conditions, the experience of playing Tests in 2014 will certainly help him.

ALSO READ: Irfan Pathan Gives A Message To Uncapped India Players For Sri Lankan Tour

Talking about the same, Virender Sehwag said, “Rohit is a fantastic batsman and he has played Test cricket in England earlier also (2014) so I think he can manage well as we have seen in recent times when he has opened the batting. Obviously, as it is for any opener, he would have to be careful with the first 10 overs and see off that new ball to understand the conditions first. I am sure he will get a chance to show his range of strokes.”

If there is one player apart from Rohit, who can be as maverick as Sehwag was during his glory days, it is Rishabh Pant, who is enjoying a brilliant run in his international career. Virender Sehwag wants Pant to bat the way he knows and not get bogged down by too much analysis and dissection about the technique and temperament needed to be successful in England.

ALSO READ: Ummey Al Hasan Backs Shakib Al Hasan Over Controversial On-field Action

Describing the same, Virender Sehwag said, “Rishabh Pant knows his batting better than anybody else and he should focus on what he can do best for the team rather than get worried about what ex-cricketers, commentators and media is saying. The focus for Rishabh should be one ball at a time. Of late, he has understood his role in the team and he is a very critical player for India in Test matches coming in at No 6.”