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Pessimists believe New Zealand has the advantage in the WTC final, says Sunil Gavaskar
A discussion about New Zealand having an advantage over India in the World Test Championship (WTC) final next month because they are playing two Tests against England before the title clash is academic, feels former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar.
The Kane Williamson-led New Zealand will take on England in the first Test from June 2-6 at Lord’s, London, and the second in Birmingham from June 10-14. They will then play India in the WTC final from June 18-22 in Southampton.
However, Gavaskar debunked the acclimatization theory
“The pessimists are suggesting that playing two Tests before the WTC finals will be a huge plus for the Kiwis as they will be match ready and better acclimatized to the conditions,” Gavaskar wrote in a column in The Telegraph.
"The flip side of playing those two Tests is that New Zealand could get beaten and thus below on morale when they take on India and there could be some injuries and niggles to some of their key players which can happen in early June in England."
Gavaskar said the main thing that will go in India’s favor is their “sheer energy” and “enthusiasm” of returning to action after more than a month.
