Mike Hesson believes both the teams are neck-to-neck and they will produce an exciting contest.
Team India's batting unit has a big challenge against the New Zealand bowling unit in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. Former New Zealand cricket coach Mike Hesson is keen to watch how the Indian top-order tackles the swing at Southampton.
However, Hesson feels the contest between India and New Zealand is going to be neck-to-neck in the WTC final. He is expecting an exciting contest in the final match which starts on June 18 at the Ageas Bowl.
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"They are even (India and New Zealand). The fact that it's being played at a neutral venue also makes the WTC final an even contest. Assuming there are no injuries in the next couple of weeks, both sides will be at full strength, and we are in for an exciting contest," said Hesson.
"I am keen to see how India's top-order fares against the swinging ball. The ball does a bit in Southampton and as the cross breeze comes into play, it can be a challenge for the batsmen. How the Indian top-order plays the New Zealand pacers could decide the outcome," he further told The Times of India.
India has achieved a lot of success under the captaincy of Virat Kohli in Test cricket. Hesson believes the WTC final would be a test of the leadership skills of both, Kohli and New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson. He is looking forward to the decisions by the captain which could make an impact as the game progresses.
"Both are very good leaders and yes both are different in their style of captaincy. Kane is more of a slow-burn in the sense that he likes to put pressure over a period of time. Virat, on the other hand, is constantly looking for ways to put his side in the driver's seat.
"The WTC final will be a test of captaincy for both. As the wicket changes from day to day, it will be interesting to see how both Kane and Virat make those little tweaks in their strategies to stay ahead."
(With The Times of India Inputs)