Former Indian wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel has showered praises on New Zealand’s captain Kane Williamson. The Blackcaps, who are currently embroiled in the two-match Test series against England will go head-to-head against the Men in Blue in the final of the World Test Championship in Southampton which begins on June 18.
Parthiv Patel believes that the New Zealand skipper will play a very important role in the final and that the Indian bowlers need to be on their toes in order to outsmart him in the contest. The former wicket-keeper lauded Kane Williamson’s footwork and his ability to judge ball each and every ball.
“You have got to play under your eye line all the time, so to get him out, you’ve got to bowl really well against him. You have to make sure you are hitting the areas more often than not. The ability which he has – with correct defense and is always decisive about his footwork,” Parthiv said while speaking exclusively on Star Sports’ show Game Plan.
He also mentioned that Kane Williamson carries the same importance for his side as what Virat Kohli does for India. However, Williamson has also played wonderfully in English conditions and has a lot of experience under his belt. Parthiv said that getting rid of him in English conditions could prove to be a massive challenge for the bowling unit.
“What Virat Kohli is for India, we’re talking for Kane Williamson for New Zealand. Someone who is very experienced, someone who knows how to play on the English conditions, he has done really well against England in England, and plus his ability to play really late. I think, especially when you are playing in England, that makes a huge difference,” Parthiv further added.
The UK Government granted an exemption to the World Test Championship Final as outlined in The Health Protection (Coronavirus, International Travel, and Operator Liability) (England) Regulations 2021, released on May 17.
“As per the bio-safety protocols established for the event, in line with UK government and Public Health England requirements, the Indian Men’s team will arrive in the UK on 3 June 2021 via a charter flight and carrying evidence of a negative PCR Test,” ICC had said in an official release.
The Indian cricketers have already reached Southampton and following their quarantine, they have begun training.
