WTC Final – Having played two Test matches, New Zealand will definitely come with advantage – Ravichandran Ashwin

India’s veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes New Zealand will come into the World Test Championship final with an advantage as the Kiwis are playing two Test matches against England.

New Zealand had dominated the first Test match against the hosts and they are in a good position after two days of action.

The Indian players have started training in groups and they are also playing an intra-squad match. Thus, the Virat Kohli’s team will need to hit the ground running in the English conditions and they will have to adapt quickly to the conditions.

Ravichandran Ashwin said while talking to BCCI, “I expect a very well-planned and a well-knit New Zealand team to come at us. Having played two Tests, they will definitely come in with an advantage, so we have to adapt quickly.”

“It is really exciting, in all these years we have never played a team at a neutral venue in Test cricket. Test cricket is the ultimate format of the sport that we have. It is the greatest test of a cricketer’s ability, mental strength and everything. For a long time, cricketers wanted this kind of space, with some context to Test cricket. Looking forward to the final.”

Furthermore, Ashwin added that the conditions and situations will be the key to success in England. The off-spinner feels it is important to maintain the ball in the English conditions.

“I sometimes funnily say this – You don’t need to cover the ground or the pitch in England, you need to cover the clouds. The condition of the ball and the situation of the game matters a lot. One aspect that stands out is the understanding of Test cricket that the crowds bring here.”

India’s veteran fast bowler Ishant Sharma also spoke on the same lines as he feels one has to take the responsibility of maintaining the ball.

“Somebody needs to take that responsibility to maintain that ball and shine. If the ball is maintained properly in these conditions, it will be easier for the fast bowler to take wickets. When we play in India, reverse swing comes into play after the new ball.

Here, you need to keep your length up because the ball swings. It is not easy to adjust because the weather is also very cold.”

The WTC final will take place at Ageas Bowl, Southampton from June 18.