“Indian team has the potential to win WTC final and whitewash England 5-0,” says Monty Panesar


“Indian team has the potential to win WTC final and whitewash England 5-0,” says Monty Panesar

Monty Panesar

Indian cricket is on a roll at the moment especially with regard to Test cricket. After scripting a spectacular win in Australia that saw them brave injuries and debacles, the side made their way to the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) by defeating England 3-1 at home, even after losing the first Test at Chepauk. They are now set to play their most crucial encounter in recent history when they take on New Zealand in the summit clash of the WTC.

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The match which will be played at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton will mark the culmination of a two-year long tournament that has seen all sides play bilateral series to accumulate points in order to make it to the final. India topped the standings to make it while the Black Caps came second.

It is noteworthy that after the final, India will have a five-match Test series against England in August and hence, they are set to spend an extended amount of time in the UK.

Monty Panesar makes his prediction on the WTC final and India’s tour of England

Monty Panesar
Monty Panesar

Former England spinner Monty Panesar spoke to India TV News about the WTC final and India’s tour of England and said, “I think India is going through their best time. When the weather is warm in August, they can even play with two spinners in English conditions. The current Indian team has the potential to defeat England 5-0. After Alastair Cook’s retirement, the English top-order hasn’t looked reliable. If India managed to register a clean sweep, it’ll be their greatest overseas series win.”

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Speaking of the role of spinners, he said, “Spinners will also play a crucial role in the WTC final in Southampton. We’ll have to see how the ICC prepares the pitch for the event. For the Test series, England will obviously go with a green wicket. But for the WTC final, I think the ICC should prepare a neutral wicket. It’ll be the perfect advertisement for the WTC if the final spans over 4 or 5 days.”

On being asked to name the X-factor for India, Panesar said, “For me, Ravindra Jadeja will be the X-factor. He’s been in terrific form in the IPL. If India decides to go with just one spinner, I’ll go with Jadeja instead of R Ashwin as the spin-bowling option. Jadeja’s defensive bowling skill and being a left-armer give him an upper hand.”

The WTC final begins on the 18th of June.

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