West Indies former legendary fast bowler Curtly Ambrose feels India will start as favorites in the World Test Championship final against New Zealand but the Kiwis have a knack of upsetting the big teams in the major events.
New Zealand were able to dominate the first Test match against England at Lord’s.
Meanwhile, New Zealand will be able to get used to the conditions as they are playing two Test matches against England before the big WTC final.
On the other hand, India will need to hit the ground running as they arrived in England on June 3. The Indian team has started training in groups and they will look to come up with a collective effort.
On Curtly and Karishma show, the former fast bowler said, “In the first Test match against England that was drawn, you could see they (the Kiwis) really played well as a team.
It’s not going to be an easy Test match, this World Test Championship final (WTC). India, I believe, may start as favorites. But you can never discard New Zealand. They have a knack for upsetting the big teams.”
India might have a stronger and a much more balanced team than New Zealand but Ambrose added that the game is not played on paper.
“Cricket is played on the field of play, not on paper. If you don’t go out in the middle and get the job done, then it won’t work. New Zealand have a knack for turning up and causing some headaches for teams all over the world. They look forward to a serious challenge. I am looking forward to that clash, to be quite honest.”
Ambrose added that it won’t be a cakewalk for India as New Zealand have got experienced players in their team and they have played together with each other.
“New Zealand won’t be an easy pushover for India. India has got a fantastic team, we all know that. New Zealand don’t have too many big stars in their line-up.
But they always find a way to win because they have played together so long and believe in their ability. That is the difference.”
The WTC final will take place at Ageas Bowl, Southampton from June 18.
