WTC Final: ‘New Zealand has a theoretical advantage,’ opines VVS Laxman

WTC Final: ‘New Zealand has a theoretical advantage,’ opines VVS Laxman

VVS Laxman

Former India cricketer VVS Laxman has stated that New Zealand might have a bit of an edge over the Virat Kohli-led side at the much-awaited ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final. India and New Zealand are scheduled to face each other in the WTC final at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, England from June 18 to June 22.

The Blackcaps are currently playing a two-match Test series against England. During a recent interview with Sportstar, Laxman stated that whenever you play any Test match in overseas conditions, it helps you to get acclimatized to the conditions. The veteran cricketer added that every team likes to play one or two games on overseas surfaces prior to the main fixture.

“Well, theoretically, that’s an advantage for New Zealand, because whenever you play any Test match in overseas conditions, you at least would like to play one – if not two matches before the main match. There’s no doubt it helps you to get acclimatized to the conditions. That’s always been the norm for so many years. Especially for the batsmen, it will take time to get used to the new conditions. So theoretically, New Zealand has the advantage,” Laxman explained as quoted by SportStar.

‘Am sure India will have intense training sessions before the final’

Indian Test Team
Indian Test Team

The Indian team is currently serving the mandatory quarantine period at the Hilton Hotel in Southampton. They will have around a good ten days to practice before taking the field against the Blackcaps.

Meanwhile, Laxman mentioned that India doesn’t know how to take a backward step and the India tour of Australia was a testament to their character and mindset. The former cricketer backed the national side to do well despite the Kiwis playing two additional matches before the final.

“But India has not taken a backward step, irrespective of whatever challenges they have faced. The series win in Australia was a testament to their character and their positive mindset. So even though theoretically, New Zealand – who is already accustomed to the English conditions – may have the advantage, I am sure the Indian team will maybe have intense training sessions before the final,” Laxman suggested.

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