Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman believes India will start as favourites against New Zealand in the upcoming World Test Championship Final in Southampton, starting on June 18.
He said Virat Kohli’s team has played quality cricket over the years which earned them a place in the final of WTC. “Both the teams are good, but I think India will start as favourites because of the way the Indian team has played – not only over the last couple of years but over a period of time,” Laxman told Sportstar.
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“They have embraced the challenges and have overcome whatever obstacles they faced – as recently as the Australia series – and there’s a lot of talent and depth in this Indian line-up. But having said that, since it’s a one-off match, I feel whichever team bats well in the first innings will hold the ace.”
He believes whoever bats well in the first innings during the final will dictate the terms during the match.
“I believe that both teams are evenly matched. I believe that because this is a one-off match – and not a series – whichever team bats well in the first innings, will have the edge and that side will dictate the terms throughout the match,” he added.
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New Zealand will come into the final after playing two Test matches against England, which will give them a good taste of English condition before the final. On the other hand, Team India just reached England and will not get any game time prior to the final.
Laxman mentioned India will not back away from challenges similar to how they tackled every obstacle in Australia earlier this year.
“Well, theoretically, that’s an advantage for New Zealand, because whenever you play any Test match in overseas conditions, you at least would like to play one – if not two – (practice) matches before the main match. There’s no doubt it helps you to get acclimatised to the conditions. That’s always been the norm for so many years.
“Especially for the batsmen, it will take time to get used to the new conditions. So, theoretically, New Zealand has the advantage.
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“But India has not taken a backward step, irrespective of whatever challenges they have faced. The series win in Australia was a testament to their character and their positive mindset. I have never seen a bigger challenge for any team like the Indian team faced in Australia, where they lost the first Test after being bowled out for 36, and their regular captain (Virat Kohli) was not available for the remaining matches. All the senior players started getting injured one after the other and then you had the almost second-string Indian team taking on a mighty Australian team in its backyard. Irrespective of all the challenges, they went on to win the series in such an emphatic manner.
“So, even though theoretically, New Zealand – who is already accustomed to the English conditions – may have the advantage, I am sure the Indian team will maybe have intense training sessions before the final. The intensity with which they will practice and being switched on mentally for each and every session will help them to counter this disadvantage they have,” Laxman added.
Both India and New Zealand are placed first and second in the ICC Test rankings respectively. This says the WTC Final will be a close game to watch.
