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PAT-CUMMINS
Pat Cummins feels that the current conditions in England might help New Zealand more than India in the upcoming WTC final. Pat Cummins, who was recently seen playing for Kolkata Knight Riders, has refused to predict the winner of the WTC final. However, considering India's struggles in seaming conditions and New Zealand's familiarity with them, it will be challenging for Virat Kohli and the team to defeat the Kiwis.
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. To sum up, based on the pitch conditions, the Kiwis might 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.
Pat Cummins is the leading wicket-taker in the World Test Championship
Taking about Pat Cummins, he is the leading wicket-taker in the World Test Championship. He has picked up 70 scalps from 14 Tests. There are chances that India's off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin could surpass the Australian pacer in the final. Ashwin has picked up 67 wickets in 13 Tests. The Tim Paine-led side was considered one of the top contenders to reach the final of the WTC. However, they ended third on the points table as they did not tour South Africa, owing to COVID-19. This indeed proved costly for the team. Pat Cummins, however, likes the idea of the WTC, and he feels this gives more context to a series.
The last time when India and NZ met each other in a Test series, it was New Zealand whitewashing India. The Indian cricket team has won 12 matches and lost 4 games during the tournament, whereas one has ended in a draw. On the other hand, the Kiwis have won 7 games and lost four during the tournament. However, both the teams topped the points table to make their way for the WTC final. A total of 9 teams were part of the ICC World Test Championship, which commenced in 2019. After WTC, the Men in Blue will be playing against England team for a five-match Test series. The series is scheduled to begin on August 4.