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India vs New Zealand Tips & Preview - Will India win the World Test Championship Final?

By Rahul Varma

16 Jun 2021

Rahul Varma 16 Jun 2021

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India vs New Zealand predictions for the Test Championship final on Friday
The match will be played at the Rose Bowl in Southampton
New Zealand have won 6 of their last 7 Test matches
Can India beat the Black Caps?
Predictions, team news, stats & preview

New Zealand beat India in theri last Test series (Getty Images)

India vs New Zealand Tips

New Zealand are in superb form with six wins from their last seven Tests. That includes two wins over India. With India not playing Test cricket since March this year they could be a bit undercooked.

My best is for Kane Williamson to score 50+ in the match and for New Zealand to win the WTC title.

India’s Virat Kohli averages 57.3 runs in his last 5 Test matches in England.
India have lost 6 of their last 7 Test matches in England.
New Zealand’s Devon Conway has scored 200 and 80 runs in the 1st innings of his last 2 Test matches.
New Zealand’s Kane Williamson has scored 100+ runs in the 1st innings of 3 of his last 4 Test matches.
New Zealand won their last 2 Test matches against India.
New Zealand have won 7 of their last 8 Test matches (1 draw).

Head to Head

India have won three of their last five Test matches against New Zealand. It is however New Zealand who have won the last two matches with the last being a seven wicket win in Christchurch in March 2020.

India Form

India come into the Test Championship final off the back of three successive victories against England in February and March 2021. Their form has been sublime after beating Australia 2-1 away prior to beating England.

While confidence will be high, India have had three months since their last Test match. This could result in them being a bit rusty against a New Zealand side that defeated them early in 2020.

In their last Test India beat England by an innings and 25 runs in Ahmedabad. Axar Patel took 4-68 as England were dismissed for 205 runs. Rishabh Pant then scored 101 runs in response to lead India to 365, a 160-run lead.

India were never required to bat again with Axar Patel and Ravi Ashwin taking five wickets each to dismiss England for 135 runs.

India Team News

India have no injury concerns and will be at full strength. Ravindra Jadeja has made a return from injury in time to feature.

The only real cloud hanging over the selectors head will be who to select between Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami. They can only go with both if Ravi Ashwin or Jadeja is dropped.

New Zealand Form

New Zealand will be full of confidence after a 1-0 series victory over England last week. They were magnificent despite resting a few players in both fixtures.

In the 2nd Test New Zealand dismissed England for 303 runs. Trent Boult took 4-85 after missing the 1st Test at Lord’s. Devon Conway backed up his double century in the 1st Test to score 80 runs while Will Young and Ross Taylor scored 82 and 80 respectively.

The 388-run total left the game very much in the balance as the Black Caps held a 85-run lead. The visitors’ bowlers however had other ideas as they bowled England out for a paltry 122 runs.

Matt Henry and Neil Wagner took three wickets each. New Zealand scored the 38 runs required with ease to win by eight wickets.

New Zealand Team News

Kane Williamson will return after missing New Zealand’s last match as a precaution. A few other players should return as well. Kyle Jamieson and Tim Southee were both rested in Birmingham and will almost certainly start here.

The selection dilemma for the Black Caps is how their bowling lineup will look. Ajaz Patel will be the spin option but only three of Jamieson, Boult, Southee and Wagner can play, unless they do away with Colin de Grandhomme as the allrounder.

India vs New Zealand FAQs

Where can I watch the India vs New Zealand live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the India vs New Zealand live stream.

Where is the World Test Championship Final being played?

India vs New Zealand is being played at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, England, from June 18-22.

Verdict

India v New Zealand - 1st Test

Kane Williamson is backed to score 50+ runs in the match and lead New Zealand to the title. The form of Devon Conway cannot be ignored so he is tipped to top score in the Black Caps first innings.

Virat Kohli's form in England his improved tremendously. He can top score in India's first innings.