The stage is all set for the final of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) to be played at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton from June 18.
Ahead of the WTC 2021 final, ICC's official Twitter account posted a video of cricketing legends from different nations talking about the high-octane clash between India and New Zealand.
Former Australian skipper Ian Chappell said that he’s very fortunate to witness two modern greats going head to head in the final of WTC. He also highlighted the difference in approach of Kane Williamson and Virat Kohli.
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"We are going to be fortunate to see two of the finest batsmen in the world going head to head in the finals of the WTC. Kane Williamson a very effective batsman. Kohli is a more flamboyant player, he tends to do good things in big games," Ian Chappell said in a video posted by ICC on their Twitter account.
Chappell said that he is looking forward to the contest between the pace bowlers of both India and New Zealand as both possess quality fast bowlers. He added that Virat Kohli-led side has a better and balanced attack because all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja offers the opportunity to play an extra spinner.
"I am looking forward to the battle of the pace bowling attacks, both New Zealand and India have very good pace bowling attacks. India has the better-balanced attack because they have got some good spinners and because Jadeja is an all-rounder, they might get the opportunity to play another spinner,” he said.
Rishabh Pant is one of the main reasons why Team India is playing the final of the WTC. The southpaw played some extraordinary knocks against Australia down under earlier this year and helped India win its second consecutive Test series down under.
In the home series against England, the wicketkeeper-batsman once again showed his heroics and scored a century against the Three Lions and helped his team book a place in the final of the WTC.
Referring to the same, Ian Chappell further said that he is looking forward to watching Rishabh Pant as he has improved a lot.
"Another thing I am looking forward to is the performance of Rishabh Pant, he is a much-improved cricketer. I think it should be a really good WTC final," he said.
Talking about the high-octane clash, former Australian spinner Shane Warne and Sri Lankan legend Mahela Jayawardene backed Team India to emerge victorious in the WTC final.
"I am looking forward to the contrasting captains. New Zealand deserves to be in the finals, they have played some wonderful cricket in these two years. I have to lean towards India, they have a few more match-winners, but don't ever underestimate New Zealand, they can easily win this," Shane Warne said.
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"It was a fierce battle to get into the top two. The two teams which have been the most consistent probably have the two best bowling attacks. I probably tip the Indian boys slightly," Mahela Jayawardene said.
However, on the other hand, former South African skipper Graeme Smith backed New Zealand to win the WTC final in English conditions.
"Kane is a very reserved and excellent player, he is very smart, and Virat brings passion and he leads from the front. They are two of the best batters in the world. I am going to back New Zealand in the England conditions,” Graeme Smith said.
The winner of the WTC final will be awarded a Mace prize of $1.6 million while the runners-up would receive $800,000. The prize money will be shared between the two teams if the game ends in a draw.
(ANI inputs)
