The first-ever final of the World Test Championship is ready to kick off soon, with less than 48 hours left on June 18, on Southampton. The top two competitors from the points table of ICC World Test Championship will lock horns, i.e. India, and New Zealand. This is going to be history and is expected to be one of the greatest matches in the history of test cricket, as both of the deserving teams have come up in this position, with their efficiency.
For this, many predictions are coming from everywhere, regarding who will be the champion of the first-ever WTC final. This is certainly a great matter to discuss, and many cricketers have expressed their view on this.
WTC Final 2021: IND vs NZ performance comparison
Indian has gained the number one position in the points table, by winning all the three home test series in this contest. Besides, they gained victory in West Indies, and Australian soil as well against the respective teams. Their only loss in this championship was against New Zealand on Kiwi soil.
New Zealand, on the other hand, has won all their home series. Though they failed to win a series on foreign soil, still their performances were enough to hold a position in the WTC final.
Predictions of the Cricketers
Various cricketers have predicted who can win the championship, including VVS Laxman, Parthiv Patel, Michael Vaughan, Pat Cummins, Brett Lee, Dilip Vengsarkar, Brendon McCullum, etc.
VVS Laxman – Former Indian batsman, VVS Laxman stated India to be the favorites, based on the huge confidence they have gained in the recent Australian series.
Michael Vaughan – Former England captain, Michael Vaughan feels that the Kiwis are ahead of Indians, as the English conditions would suit more to them compared to India.
Dilip Vengsarkar – Dilip Vengsarkar, the 1983 World Cup winner said Kohli’s India being better, comparing man to man of both of the teams, and stated India to be ahead.
Brett Lee – Former Australian pacer, Brett Lee, views that New Zealand is ahead of India, as they are familiar with the English conditions.
Pat Cummins – The current number 1 test bowler of the world, Pat Cummins said that overcast conditions will support the pace attack of the Kiwis.
Parthiv Patel – The former wicket-keeper batsman, Parthiv Patel backed India to be the favorites, and also said that Cheteshwar Pujara will the leading run-scorer with Mohammed Shami being the highest wicket-taker.
Brendon McCullum – The aggressive former Kiwi opener, and captain, Brendon McCullum backed New Zealand ahead of India and said that the Kiwis have a 60-40 advantage over India.
Also Read: ICC World Test Championship winner will receive prize money of US $1.6 million
