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World Test Championship Final Tips - Why India can win the WTC Final

By Ramesh Jegatheeswaran

16 Jun 2021

Ramesh Jegatheeswaran 16 Jun 2021

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India face New Zealand in the first-ever World Test Championship Final
The match will be played at the Rose Bowl in Southampton
Our reasons why India can be crowned test champions

Virat Kohli can lead India to victory (Getty Images)

India come into first ever World Test Championship as slight favourites against New Zealand ahead of the final at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, England.

India would have been overwhelming favourites were this match to be played at home, but the conditions in England should even the playing field somewhat.

The Black Caps also come into the series after a morale boosting win over England over the weekend.

The lack of time in the middle for India does put New Zealand at a bit advantage considering they have played two Test matches over the last two weeks.

However, India should be able to deal with that with ease. They have played an inter-squad match which isn’t quite the competitive action they wanted, but it could prove useful.

Some reasons why India can win the WTC Final:

Squad Depth

The depth in the Indian squad is unmatched in world cricket. They defeated Australia down under earlier this year with seven first choice players missing in the final Test (which India won). The most experienced bowler in that match was Mohammed Siraj – it was his second Test.

New Zealand have done well to reach the Test Championship final, mainly off their dominant home form which included a series win over India. But the Black Caps will be relying on individuals such as Kane Williamson, Tim Southee and Trent Boult to produce big performances.

The New Zealand’s batsmen have not exactly shot the lights out in England thus far - it was the bowlers that won them the 2nd Test. Other than Devon Conway, no other batsman has scored consistently in the two Test matches.

India, however, have an established batting lineup full of world class talent, unlike England. They have the batsmen to score big runs which immediately puts pressure on the batting lineup of New Zealand.

While there are things that could count in New Zealand’s favour, India have more than enough quality to counter any scenario.

Spinning Southampton Pitch

While many believe the English conditions will suit New Zealand, the Rose Bowl has in the past provided plenty of spin later in the game. The toss could be crucial with neither side wanting to bat last.

India’s biggest advantage is in the spin bowling department. New Zealand have at times struggled against spin so Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Ashwin will be huge players for India.

Black Caps spinner Ajaz Patel will have his work cut out as well. India are exceptional players of spin so if Tim Southee and Trent Boult don’t take wickets early, Patel could struggle to settle against batsmen who will look to take him on.

Key Moments

The recent success of both sides should make for a cracking encounter. It will be about who wins the key moments of the match, and India for me are the best equipped to deal with whatever is thrown at them.

Back India to win at 2.87 with BetWinner