NEW DELHI: Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel believes Cheteshwar Pujara in batting and Mohammed Shami in bowling will be the key figures for India the inaugural ICC World Test Championship final against New Zealand in Southampton.
Speaking on the Star Sports show ‘Cricket Connected’, Parthiv gave his views on who might score the maximum runs and who can be the highest wicket-taker in the upcoming marquee event.
“I will back Cheteshwar Pujara to get the highest-scorer title in this Test match.
If India has to win, you have to keep Pujara for your No.
3 — if India loses early wickets.
If he goes on to bat for 3-4 hours in this Test match, I think India will be in a very good position.
So I am backing Pujara to be the highest run-scorer in this Test match,” Parthiv said.
Read AlsoWTC final: New Zealand might just start as favourites, feels Ajit AgarkarFormer cricketers Ajit Agarkar and Scott Styris have backed New Zealand to start as favourites in the inaugural World Test Championship final against India, slated to get underway next Friday.”I will put cricketing logic aside and I will back India to win this Test match.
I think Mohammed Shami holds the key to the Indian bowling attack.
Yes, (Jasprit) Bumrah and @Ishant Sharma have been bowling and preparing well, but I think Mohammed Shami is the key the way he has been bowling in England, and he has done really well in all conditions,” Parthiv added.
But former India bowling all-rounder Irfan Pathan had some contrasting views in comparison to Parthiv.
Irfan said: “WTC final, it’s the biggest Test match ever.
I think New Zealand will have a 55-45 advantage.
I also think Kane Williamson will be the highest scorer; and in terms of highest wicket-taker, it will be between Trent Boult and Mohammed Shami.” Read AlsoWTC Final: Virat Kohli likely to struggle if the ball moves in Southampton, feels Glenn TurnerIndia skipper Virat Kohli will be vulnerable against New Zealand in the World Test Championship final if conditions in Southampton aid swing and seam bowling, said former New Zealand captain and coach Glenn Turner.India will take on New Zealand from June 18 at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton, to decide the first world champion side of the longest format.
The playing conditions confirm that a draw or a tie will see both teams crowned as joint winners.
A Reserve Day has also been allocated for the title clash to make up for any lost time during the regular days of the match, scheduled to be played from June 18 to 22.
June 23 has been set aside as the Reserve Day.