WTC Final: India has kept the bar really high, will be a tough opposition, says Ross Taylor

New Zealand’s veteran batsman Ross Taylor feels the Indian team has kept the bar really high in Test matches and they will be a tough opposition to beat.

India has dominated the Test format and they have ticked the right boxes as they have come up with collective efforts.

In fact, India has finished the last five years as a number one Test team in the ICC Test rankings. However, New Zealand reclaimed the top position in the rankings after beating England 1-0 in the two match Test series.

Meanwhile, India has been competitive in overseas conditions and a lot of credit goes to their fast bowling unit. Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami have been right on the money and they have delivered in all conditions.

The Indian team under Virat Kohli is a confident unit and they will look to come out all guns blazing in the big WTC final.

“You go through the Indian line-up, all world-class players all through and whatever side they do decide to go with, they will leave out some world-class players as well. We know whatever XI we face will be very tough,” Taylor said during a virtual press conference.

“India has been a world no.1 side and they have kept the bar really high for a long period of time, everyone in the world had to catch up to and I don’t see any difference, yes we had a couple of Tests here but playing India in home, away or neutral venue will be a tough opposition.”

Taylor added that the Indian team has dominated for a long period of time and they must have enjoyed their practice sessions while bowling with the duke ball.

“India has been a fantastic side for a long period of time, not only the batters but also the bowlers. They won against Australia during a home summer, it was great to watch…,” he said.

“They had a lot of success over here as well. I am sure in their warm-up games and bowling at the nets, they would have enjoyed the swing and bounce that the duke ball has.

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