Former Kiwi skipper Brendon McCullum is expecting a close contest between New Zealand and India in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, starting June 18. However, he believes the BlackCaps have the advantage over India before the much-awaited clash.
Team India are currently under isolation in Mumbai before departing for the United Kingdom (UK), while the Kiwis have already landed in England and they have had an intra-squad practice match as well after completing quarantine.
"I think 60-40 in favour of New Zealand. It's going to be close. The match practice that New Zealand are going to have leading into the final could just title it in their way. I think it's going to be close," McCullum told Sports Today.
India are number 1 in the ICC Test Rankings and New Zealand are number 2. McCullum believes the face-off will be a good one and he hoped for the better side to win the title.
"Just as New Zealand respects India, as a fan, I will respect India, knowing how good they are and the fighting spirit they have. I think we are in for a ripping World Test Championship final. May the best team win and the best game," he added.
New Zealand will face England in a two-Test series, starting June 2 before the WTC final. On the other hand, Team India will arrive in England on June 3 and they will remain in isolation before beginning outdoor training.
(With Sports Today Inputs)
