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Sachin-tendulkar
Legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar feels that England vs New Zealand series could have been held after the WTC finals. Conducting the series ahead of the marquee clash is being seen as a positive for the Kiwis. The New Zealanders are now well aware of conditions and are the favorites to win the maiden edition of the World Test Championship.
In a conversation with Times of India, Sachin Tendulkar said that he does see New Zealand's 2-match Test series as a positive for them ahead of the India game. However, the former Indian batsman is also confident of Virat Kohli & Co as they will put a good show by using their previous experiences. There is no clarity on the matter, but Sachin Tendulkar is hopeful that the schedule of the England vs New Zealand series was decided well before the Black Caps progressed to the WTC final. Else, the two-match series could have been scheduled after the World Test Championship final.
WTC final should have been a series featuring three matches: Sachin Tendulkar
Like other cricket experts, Sachin Tendulkar also feels the WTC final should have featured three matches. Taking into account time constraints and fixture congestion, ICC decided to keep it a one-off affair. Both India and New Zealand are preparing for the WTC final, which is going to take place in Southampton. Both the captains haven't won a single ICC event. Thus, it will be interesting to see who wins the WTC final.
India and New Zealand would look to outfox each other when the sides square off in the ICC WTC final, which starts June 18. ICC World Test Championship has been played in two years cycle. The two teams at the top of the points table have qualified for the final. The Indian cricket team has finished at the top of the points table with 12 wins in 17 matches, whereas New Zealand won 7 out of 17 games it played.
Ahead of the start of WTC in 2018, ICC stated that if the final match ended in a draw or tie, the trophy would be shared. Thus, India and New Zealand will be announced as joint winners if the summit clash in Southampton ends in a draw or tie.