While team India is getting ready to take on New Zealand in the final of inaugural edition of World Test Championship (WTC) scheduled to begin from 18 June at Southampton, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has pointed out that the team that won in Australia had lost 2-0 against New Zealand.

According to Chopra, even though the Kiwis are No.2 ranked side on the ICC Test rankings they will have the edge over Virat Kohli and Co.

“Don't rule India out but it is 55-45 in favor of New Zealand. Although they are No.2 in the Test rankings and play well at home when we talk about Southampton, they can play slightly better than us in these conditions in the first half of the English summer,” Chopra said.

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Kane Williamson and Co. will be touring England for a two-match Test series beginning from June 2 before they take on India which will help them immensely in getting used to the English conditions.

“They (New Zealand) would have already played two Tests there. So, there is a slight difference. The heart is Indian and will say that we will defeat them but we are not able to go to New Zealand and defeat them,” the cricketer turned commentator said.

“It's a fact, we didn't defeat them now as well. The team which won in Australia had lost in New Zealand while it was almost a full-strength side in New Zealand. There could be problems in Southampton as well,” he added.

The WTC final will be played between Virat Kohli-led India and New Zealand in front of 4000 spectators followed by a five-match Test series against England slated to begin from August 4.

(With Hindustan Times inputs)