NZ will have the advantage of playing two Tests before the WTC final: Cheteshwar Pujara

India's Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara mentioned that New Zealand would have an edge as they have already played two Tests in England. However, the Indian batsman claimed that he is not too worried about that aspect. New Zealand played against England in a two-Test series which the Kiwis won on Sunday. The visitors defeated England in the second match at Edgbaston inside 4 days. This was the first instance that New Zealand won a Test series in England since 1999. On the other hand, the Men in Blue are practicing hard for the WTC Final by playing intra-squad practice games. The Indian contingent has completed its mandatory hotel quarantine in Southampton.

Earlier this year, in the Border-Gavaskar Series against Australia, team India was without the services of several senior Indian cricketers. Despite all the hurdles, the Men in Blue managed to win the series. India's Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara also suffered several blows on his body from Australia's world-class pace attack to keep his team in the match. Pujara would be hoping to prove a point by making his bat do the talking in the challenging English conditions during an exhausting tour of three-and-a-half months.

BCCI shares Day 3 video clip of an intra-squad game

Before the ICC WTC final, the Indian cricket team is working hard to get used to the English conditions. The team is gearing up to play against NZ in a high-voltage clash starting from Friday at the Ageas Bowl. On Sunday, the BCCI shared a video clip featuring several highlights from Day 3. Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was seen playing a classy cover drive off Ishant Sharma. On the other hand, pacer Mohammed Siraj also had a productive day with the ball. The fast bowler picked up two wickets and gave away 22 runs. While Bumrah and Shami are almost sure to get the spot in the playing XI, the concern for the third pacer would be between Ishant and Siraj.

Team India is leaving no stones unturned to nullify NZ's advantage of being in the country longer than them. Kane Williamson and the team will enter the contest on the back of a historic series win against the hosts on Sunday. With success, New Zealand is now on the top spot on the ICC Test Rankings.

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