It was a close Test match – Former India all-rounder S Sriram on the WTC Final

 

India suffered another heartbreak in the final of an ICC event, this time in the purest format of the sport. India collided with New Zealand in the final of the inaugural World Test Championship but instead of fireworks of celebration, the mood of the entire cricket community was drowned by murky weather.

However, New Zealand proved their mettle in those conditions at Southampton and managed to win the game with less than four days of play possible thereby becoming the first World Test Champions. India’s loss to the Blackcaps continues to be a major point of discussion among the public and cricketing circles in India. Former India and Tamil Nadu cricketer Sridharan Sriram hasn’t been shy of expressing his opinions either.

S Sriram thinks that the World Test Championship Final was a pretty close affair but New Zealand managed to acclimatize to the conditions better. “It was a close Test match. I think New Zealand adapted to the conditions better. Having said that, New Zealand played two Tests in England prior to the WTC final. They were already well acclimatized,” Sriram tole CricketNext.

Sridharan Sriram has been Australia’s bowling coach for over five years and he’s of the opinion that people should be kinder towards Team India’s hard work over the last 12 months in the buildup to the WTC Final.

“Not many may have noticed the journey that the Indian team has gone through in the last year or so,” Sriram continued.

“From IPL 2020 in Dubai, they went straight to Australia to be in a bubble for three to four months; returned home for 5 days and went to the home series against England to be in a bubble for two months, then go straight into IPL 2021 bubble, and now after a 14-day quarantine in Mumbai, go to England for the WTC final and then the five-Test series in about six weeks.”

The former India all-rounder shed light on the mental difficulties that the players have had to endure because of the second wave of COVID-19 in the country and with the resulting stringent bio-bubble protocols.

“What the Indian team has gone through in the last 12 months is very tough. On the other hand, New Zealand were more fortunate because they did not have many Covid cases in their country. They have been free, playing outdoors, practicing, playing their domestic tournament, went to England and played two Test matches before the WTC final. Their preparation leading into the Test final was a lot more ideal. Having said that, that is not an excuse for India,” he concluded.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Michael Vaughan feels India will miss previous tours’ ‘snarl’ to take down Australia in Border-Gavaskar series

Former England captain Michael Vaughan reckons India will miss the previous tours’ aggressive captaincy of… Read More

November 22, 2024

Deep Dasgupta wants Virat Kohli to play with ‘combative mindset’ against Australia in Border-Gavaskar series

Former Indian wicket-keeper bat Deep Dasgupta has urged Virat Kohli to play with an aggressive… Read More

November 22, 2024

Michael Hussey surprised after Ashwin-Jadeja’s omission in 1st AUS vs IND 2024 Test

Former Australian batter Michael Hussey has shared his surprise after Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja… Read More

November 22, 2024

Cheteshwar Pujara backs ‘experienced’ Virat Kohli to play important role in Border-Gavaskar series against Australia

Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara has backed experienced Virat Kohli to play a key role in… Read More

November 22, 2024

Sunil Gavaskar questions Nitish Kumar Reddy’s selection, says all-rounder lacks first-class experience

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar has questioned Nitish Kumar Reddy’s selection in the opening Test match against… Read More

November 22, 2024

Sunil Gavaskar backs under-fire KL Rahul to find success in Border-Gavaskar series against Australia

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar has put his weight behind under-fire KL Rahul to savour success in… Read More

November 22, 2024