Legendary West Indian pacer Curtly Ambrose feels that Team India will start as slight favorites going into the World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand. But, he added that the Kiwis are capable of upsetting the best since they are a well-knit team.
India and New Zealand will meet in the much-hyped WTC final at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton from June 18-22. While Team India have begun training for the marquee fixture, the Blackcaps are currently facing England in the second Test at Edgbaston.
While speaking during the Curtly & Karishma Show, the 57-year-old was all praise for the Kane Williamson-led side. Curtly Ambrose suggested that New Zealand won’t be an easy side to play against even if they don’t have as many stars in their team like India.
“In the first Test match against England that was drawn, you could see they (the Kiwis) really played well as a team. It’s not going to be an easy Test match, this World Test Championship final (WTC). India, I believe, may start as favorites. But you can never discard New Zealand. They have a knack for upsetting the big teams,” said Ambrose.
“Cricket is played on the field of play, not on paper. If you don’t go out in the middle and get the job done, then it won’t work. New Zealand have a knack for turning up and causing some headaches for teams all over the world. They look forward to a serious challenge. I am looking forward to that clash, to be quite honest,” he added.
“New Zealand won’t be an easy pushover for India. India has got a fantastic team, we all know that. New Zealand doesn’t have too many big stars in their line-up. But they always find a way to win because they have played together so long and believe in their ability. That is the difference,” he further stated.