WTC 2021 Final: WATCH – R Ashwin stresses on adaptability to combat well-prepared New Zealand team

Ashwin is expected to play a key role in the WTC final for India.

By Salman Anjum - 12 Jun, 2021

With less than a week to go for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has said that Team India will have to adapt and be ready for the challenge.

The Virat Kohli-led side will take on New Zealand in the marquee game in Southampton from June 18-22.

WATCH: "Back to school," R Ashwin posts video of bowling in nets in Southampton

While India’s top cricketers have been out of action ever since the suspension of IPL 2021 last month, Kiwis are already getting valuable practice for the inaugural WTC final, with the two-match Test series underway against England.

“I expect a well planned and knit New Zealand team to come at us. Having played two Tests definitely come with an advantage so we have to adapt to that,” Ashwin told ‘bcci.tv’, referring to the Black Caps’ ongoing series in English conditions.

According to Ashwin, the World Test Championship is a really good concept for giving greater context to the longest format of the game.

“In all these years, it has never happened and it’s the most exciting part of playing Test cricket and we have never played a team in a neutral venue.

“Going forward, WTC can add context with two teams playing away from home, sort of bringing the ebbs and flows of the game,” said the man, who has 409 wickets to his name from 78 Tests.

Meanwhile, the Indian cricket team on Friday (June 11) started full-fledged training for the WTC final after serving their quarantine period.

Taking to Twitter, BCCI shared a video of the players training and wrote: "#TeamIndia get into the groove for the #WTC21 Final."

On the other hand, the Kane Williamson-led New Zealand side will shift from the ECB bio-secure environment to the WTC final bubble on June 15.

By Salman Anjum - 12 Jun, 2021

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