Xtra Time Web Desk: The performance of New Zealand in the first test against England which ended in a draw on Sunday will definitely send warning to Virat Kohli and his boys. Both India and New Zealand will meet each other in the final of the ICC World Test Championship which will be played at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton from June 18. The BlackCaps will feel a lot confident heading into that WTC final against India after their performance in Lords. Although the first test between England and New Zealand ended in a draw, but Kane Williamson’s team has ticked quite a few boxes. First and foremost is the form of debutant Devon Conway who scored a double hundred in his first maiden test at Lords. Experienced Tim Southee once again showed why he can proved to be a dangerous bowling in the conditions in England as he was the pick of New Zealand bowlers with six wickets in the first innings. Kyle Jamieson has already troubled the Indians in the last series at home and the tall fast bowler showed how potent he can be with the Dukes Balls in English conditions. Although Neil Wagner had a quite match by his standards, he too can be a potential threat for the Indian batting line up. The only concern for New Zealand will be the form of their captain Kane Williamson who has not performed to the best of his ability in England so far in his career. Let’s take a look at the three major concerns for Kohli and his boys ahead of the WTC Final against the BlackCaps:
Form of new batting sensation Devon Conway:
The BlackCaps opening batsman had a superb test debut at Lords, scoring a fantastic double hundred (200 off 347 balls). The South African born batsman showed great technique and application against the likes of James Anderson and Stuart Broad. Conway’s form will be a major concern for Team India.
Experience of Tim Southee:
The experienced BalckCaps pacer is on his fifth tour to England. He is the most experienced bowler on both sides – India and New Zealand going into the WTC Final. Southee showed he has not lost his swing as he picked yet another five-fer at Lords. It was also his second five wickets haul at the Home of Cricket. Southee picked six wickets in the first innings, four of them coming in the first session on Day 4. The owner of 308 test wickets, Southee will lead the BlackCaps pace attack along with Trent Boult.
Lack of Match Practice for India:
While New Zealand will have an advantage of playing two test matches, Indians on the other will be dogged by the lack of it. Kohli and his boys will only get to practice at the Ageas Bowl within the bio bubble. Although the Indian captain in his pre departure press conference in Mumbai said he is not bothered about the lack of practice, but the fact remains the BlackCaps will be better prepared going into the WTC Final.
Team India’s first match jinx in England:
India’s record in opening test in England has been awful to say the least. India is yet to win their opening Test match in England. Their last win in an opening Test in England came back in 1986. Dilip Vengsarkar’s century and Kapil Dev’s four-wicket haul in the 2nd innings handed India a five-wicket win at Lord’s. Since then, India have never won an opening Test. In the last five-Test series in England (2002-2018), India have lost three opening matches and the other two have ended in draws
Emergence of Kyle Jamieson:
So far in his short international career, BlackCaps pacer Kyle Jamieson has turned out to be a big headache for the Indians. The tall pacer has troubled the Indians the most in the last series between the two countries in New Zealand. Jamieson showed very little trouble controlling the Dukes ball in the Lords test. Along with Boult, Southee and Wagner, Jamieson can also pose a serious threat to the Indian batting line up.