While fans and pundits talk about the Indian pacers, off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is also one of the vital elements of the Indian bowling attack. Thus, former England spinner Monty Panesar believes Ashwin will be the key in the upcoming World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand.

When it comes to stats, R Ashwin is the first bowler in the 143-year history of Test cricket to dismiss 200 left-handed batsmen.

“I think New Zealand is quite a good team and Conway had a great game against England. They have got few left-handers in there so I am sure Ashwin will probably be the first-choice spinner,” Panesar told ANI.

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The British Indian then talked about even though New Zealand is playing like a top ranked team, with so many left-hand batsmen in the side, the Chennai-based spinner will be the match-winner for the subcontinental giants.

“New Zealand looks a better team than I think a lot of people thought in England and they are kind of playing like a number one team in the world. I think it is going to be a great Test match between the two sides and it's not going to be easy for India,” the 39-year-old said.

“But with the weather around and so many left-handers in the New Zealand squad, Ashwin could be the match-winner in this final. The difference is going to be Ashwin, I think Tim Southee is bowling well, he could be the difference for New Zealand,” he added.

Thus, it will be exciting to watch the final of inaugural edition of the World Test Championship between India and New Zealand at Southampton slated to begin from June 18.

(With ANI inputs)