India’s former talisman batsman Yuvraj Singh feels New Zealand will have the advantage despite the fact that India is very strong.
The New Zealand players will be able to get used to the conditions as they are playing two Test matches against England before the big match.
On the other hand, Yuvraj Singh feels India will need to hit the ground running in English conditions. In fact, India has definitely improved its performances in the overseas conditions and they had also stunned Australia by 2-1 despite injury woes and the absence of their full-time skipper, Virat Kohli.
“It’s a very good idea to take Test cricket to the next level. I feel India is very strong, because lately they have been performing really well away from home. They have the belief that they can win anywhere.
“But conditions in England will be different, then there’s the Duke’s cricket ball. The players do have quite some time to get used to the conditions, so I’m backing my team. India should beat New Zealand,” Yuvraj told Sports Tak.
Meanwhile, Yuvraj Singh feels India’s batting unit is stronger than New Zealand whereas the bowling battery of both teams is at par. India has experience in their batting unit as they have Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane. Both the teams also have potent bowling batteries and it is going to be an exciting contest.
“I think our batting is stronger, bowling I’d say both teams are at par. But it will be a bit difficult for the Indian players to get into the Test mode straightaway in England because they played the IPL in between.
“You have a better idea of the conditions when you get more used to them. Playing the Test match straight away won’t be easy for India, New Zealand will have an edge,” Yuvraj added.
The WTC final will take place at Ageas Bowl, Southampton from June 18.
