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sanjay-manjrekar
Indian cricket commentator Sanjay Manjrekar believes that New Zealand might have a slight edge at Southampton. Manjrekar reckons that the New Zealand players will be more suited to the weather and seaming surfaces in Southampton. Cricketing conditions in England are very much similar to those in New Zealand. Although Australia is a neighboring country, cricket pitches in NZ are nothing like in Australia. The ball in Australia does not swing and seam much, and there is just pace and bounce. The most awaited series of the year will be conducted at the Rose Bowl from June 18.
If the World Test Championship final were held in India, New Zealand would be sent packing by the Indian cricket team within three days. However, that is not going to be the case this time as it’s going to be played in England, and that too in the first half of the English summer. Thus, this makes NZ a much bigger hurdle for India to cross to win the World Test Championship. Sanjay Manjrekar also pointed out the roles that every batter in the Indian cricket team will have to play when they take on the Kiwis.
Virat Kohli will be the game changer for India with the bat: Sanjay Manjrekar
As an opening batsman, Rohit Sharma has improved immensely with regards to defence. The Mumbaikar plays the ball closer to the body now and is far more patient than he used to be. Sharma also tends to leave more deliveries outside off, but playing in England will still be his toughest Test. The batsman will have to change his instinct and character as a batsman if he wants to succeed. The forthcoming Test series will be the biggest Test for Rohit Sharma as an opening batsman.
India’s Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara will be India’s brave soldier on the frontlines trying to keep the enemy at bay. He remains team India’s warranty if things start falling apart, whereas Indian skipper Virat Kohli will be the game changer with the willow. Pujara averages 36 in England, which surprisingly is the highest average amongst this Indian batting line-up in England. To sum up, based on just weather and pitch conditions, New Zealand may have a slight edge at Southampton. The Kiwis are just a little more at home than India, and they also have players who are naturally fitted to exploit such conditions.