Former Indian wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel said New Zealand’s biggest strength is their ability to rise to challenges as a team and they will give a tough fight to India in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final to be held from June 18-22 in Southampton.
However, Parthiv admitted that New Zealand doesn’t have good records when it comes to ICC events, but pointed out that the Black Caps are not dependent solely on a couple of players as they get 100 percent out of each player and their consistency speaks out as a team in the game.
Parthiv on Star Sports' show Cricket Connected, “I think New Zealand's biggest strength is to come up as a team in the game. I think, yes, all the teams have their superstars, but they (the Kiwis) know their limitations, they know if someone's capable of scoring 40 or 50 in a limited time and get 100 percent out of each player.”
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He further added, “If you look at their names -- no one would be scared of Kane Williamson alone, no one will be scared of Tom Latham alone or all their fast bowlers. Their ability to perform together. I think that's so important; as far as New Zealand's performance is concerned in ICC trophies.”
Meanwhile, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said they are looking forward to facing India in the WTC final ahead of their first Test of the two-match Test series against England on June 2 at Lord’s.
Williamson at the virtual press conference, “I know the boys are really excited for the challenge and then the Test Championship final. The focus will be on one game at a time. I suppose having a different opposition, playing in a neutral country is an exciting prospect.”
He said it will be thrilling to play India in the neutral conditions in the WTC 2021 Final and admitted the challenge,, they will face in the Test series against England in England.
The skipper signed off by saying, “It's great, and as I mentioned, it's nice always to get into the side after a break. There is a lot of excitement in the camp, and we know the challenge, like coming over here and playing against England in their own backyard.”
(With ANI Inputs)
