cricket.indiatestCouch Critic previews the World Test Championship between India and New Zealand including his best bets with @Olimp_SA

 

 

 

 

 

INDIA vs NEW ZEALAND World Test Championship Final, Southampton - 18 Jun

 

The Ageas Bowl will host the final of the Test Championship as the top two square off for ultimate glory. Let’s take a look at what to expect from this clash between India and New Zealand on neutral turf in England.

 

Setting the Scene

 

Many will be somewhat surprised to have seen the Black Caps be the ones to book their spot in this final. One struggles to see them being backed to triumph in tough test series against the likes of India (especially in India), Australia and England yet consistency has been the key to success for Kane Williamson and his merry band of underdogs. Often shunned by the suit-wearers who want to sell the game to hungriest markets the Kiwis have quietly gone about their business (often only offered shorter series rather than more than three tests) and knocked over most that was set before them. Significantly, it was a two-zero home win over India just over a year ago that probably contributed in the biggest way to the New Zealanders making it to this last dance.

 

India have always been a tough nut to crack in home conditions but the rise of an impressive core of fast bowlers has meant that Kohli and his troops are more than capable of mixing it with anyone in world cricket in any conditions. Series success over Australia Down Under (mostly without King Kohli) proved just how far this side has come in its transformation to global juggernaut.

 

How I see it playing out

 

This should be a cracker. Talk is that the Southampton track should offer something with the new ball. Both teams have superb seam attacks to call on so this test will come down to how the Indians can handle Boult and Southee in favourable conditions whilst the Black Caps need to support Williamson in diffusing the likes of Bumrah, Shami and probably one of Siraj or Ishant.

 

I see the ball dominating the bat in this one-off encounter and give the edge to the team who have spent the past few weeks familiarising themselves with the conditions that they will find for this decider.

 

Betolimp Best Bets

 

Top India 1st Innings Batsman – RR Pant @ 6.50

Rishabh Pant led the charge for India when they triumphed over Australia. The feisty keeper loves a battle and the stage doesn’t get much bigger than this one. I expect him to come out firing.

 

Top New Zealand 1st Innings Batsman – K Jamieson @ 26.00

These are rather long odds and rightly so. Williamson and Taylor are two of finest batsmen the sheep farmers have ever seen yet even these greats could find it tough going on an English track offering some movement. If NZ want to keep their best spinner in their line-up (and they should unless they want to struggle like the Poms did against them recently) the chances are that Jamieson will be tasked with more responsibility with the willow and possibly bat as high as number 7. This has me having a nibble on the all-rounder in this market.

 

Top India 1st Innings Bowler – M Siraj @ 4.50

It takes a brave (or stupid) man to go against Bumrah. But Siraj has really hit the international stage by storm and his extra pace could just prove to be the tonic required.

 

Man of the Match – T Southee @ 15.00

Southee sliced through India in 2020 to the tune of 14 sticks at an average of just over 13 runs per wicket. I’m willing to back the old stalwart to help his side finish this three-year phase with the silverware.

 

To win the match – New Zealand @ 2.65

For too long the Black Caps have been the ugly step-child of international cricket. They have had to look on for years at their neighbours dominating the game and even in their own country they are a distant second to the rugby union lads. This time around they have a ticket to the big dance and I expect them to pitch up and deservedly steal the spotlight and the show. Get in you Kiwis!!

 

Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change

 

Claim your 1st deposit bonus up to R3,000 here

 

Click here for details of our all current promotions

 

App Download Android

 

App Download Apple