A lot of cricket boffins believe New Zealand will be slight favourites in the World Test Championship final against India as they will be playing two Test matches against England and the Kiwis will be better acclimatise to the English conditions.
However, Indian great Sunil Gavaskar has pointed out a flip side of the same as he stated that the Kane Williamson-led team could be down on morale if they get beaten by England.
Furthermore, Gavaskar also feels that there could be some niggles or injury woes in the New Zealand camp if unfortunately some of their key players get injured. In that case, India will hold the advantage against Kane Williamson’s side.
“The pessimists are suggesting that playing two Tests before the WTC finals will be a huge plus for the Kiwis as they will be match ready and better acclimated to the conditions,” Gavaskar wrote in his column in The Telegraph.
“The flip side of playing those two Tests is that New Zealand could get beaten and thus be low on morale when they take on India and there could be some injuries and niggles to some of their key players which can happen in early June in England,” the former India captain added.
Moreover, the Little Master reckons India could hold the advantage against New Zealand as the Virat Kohli-led will be fresh and they will be raring to go in the WTC final.
“The other factor that will work in the Indian team’s favor is that they will be fresh and raring to go and that sheer energy and enthusiasm to be able to play the sport they love after a month’s gap will more than make up for any lack of match practice,” Gavaskar wrote.
“This is a team that has tasted success and that too in adverse circumstances, so any adversity will be looked upon as an opportunity to show they have the gumption to rise above it and conquer it,” Gavaskar said.
Both the teams will look to bring their A-game to the table in the World Test Championship final. The final of the tournament will take place at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton from June 18.
