Former Pakistan opening batsman Salman Butt feels New Zealand would be better prepared for English conditions and they would hold an advantage against India in the ICC World Test Championship final. New Zealand is already in England where they are gearing up for the two-match Test series against the hosts.
Thus, there is no doubt that the Kiwis will be well prepared for the English conditions as compared to India. The Indian team is currently in Mumbai, where they are completing their quarantine. India will travel to England on June 2 and will begin their preparation for the WTC final after reaching the UK.
Meanwhile, New Zealand certainly will hold the advantage in the WTC final as the two Test matches against England will be an ideal way for them to prepare for the big match against India.
“Since the match is in June and since New Zealand would be better prepared for the English conditions (due to the two-Tests series against England before the WTC final), they would definitely hold an edge. New Zealand would have the momentum because of continuity in Test cricket as they would go (into the final) on the back of two matches. Whereas, India (without any match practice), would be waiting for them in the finals,” opined Butt on his YouTube Channel.
On the other hand, Butt recalled that there was help for the spinners when Pakistan had played against England at Southampton. The former southpaw batsman believes India could have the upper hand if the conditions suit their spinners.
He said: “The last time Pakistan played England in Southampton, there was a lot of spin on the wicket. It was a combination of Jos Buttler’s batting and poor fielding and tactics from Pakistan that they lost the match. And India have some quality spinners as well. So, if there is as much spin this time, India will have the upper hand.”
Meanwhile, New Zealand had beaten India 2-0 in their own conditions in February 2020 and the Kane Williamson-led team will look to replicate the same performance. On the other hand, there is no doubt that India was the best team of the World Test Championship cycle and they will aim to clinch the coveted trophy.
