India is due to travel to New Zealand for a two-match series, part of the inaugural World Test Championship cycle in February-March next year and former Kiwi head coach Mike Hesson reckons, the visitors have their task cut out against a quality opponent in its own shores.
The Black Caps have been enjoying a fantastic run in Test match cricket for the last three years under Kane Williamson's leadership.
This isn't to suggest at all that Virat Kohli & company, the current No.1 rank holders as well as the table-toppers in the Test Championship, will be easy pushovers.
"New Zealand are very hard to beat at home and have been for a number of years now. Both sides are on top of their game in Test cricket at the moment. So I see it (the Test series) as a high quality contest," Hesson told TOI.
The series will put Williamson against his Indian counterpart Virat Kohli; they are both among two of the best batsmen in the world at the moment. "Yes, I do feel it will be a battle between two greats of the modern game," Hesson said. "It’s a great pleasure watching both of them bat. Having said that, both sides are so full of talent and don’t need to rely solely on the captains to dictate the outcome of the Test series."
"Both are well aware of what is needed of them and the way they prepare for any game is top-class. Both Kohli and Williamson are able to execute their plans irrespective of the situation of the game and that’s the best part."
The first Test begins on February 21 in Wellington followed by the next one from February 29 in Christchurch.
"I think it is the most balanced Indian side I have seen, and that reflects in the ability to win in all conditions around the world. I see no major areas of weakness but strength and depth across the board," Hesson talked up India's chances; the country has won five of its 23 Tests in New Zealand, losing 8 and drawing 10. The record includes two series wins in 1967 and 2009 but those, truth be told, didn't come against as formidable a unit that Williamson has at his disposal.
"India has a splendid group of pacers in Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd Shami, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Bhuvi. Their presence is definitely a major reason why India can compete in any conditions now."
(Inputs from TOI)
