New Zealand middle-order batsman Henry Nicholls said that the World Test Championship final against India will an ‘exciting challenge that the Blackcaps are looking forward to as it will be a contest of two equally dominating bowling attack.
Nicholls also commended the variety of the Indian bowling lineup that is comprised of ‘proven’ seamers and ‘experienced seamers. He also rated the Indian pace trio of Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah at par with the trio of Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Neil Wagner.
"India have a very good seam attack and also have the experienced spinners like Ashwin and Jadeja. They have been consistent in all parts of the world (of late) and bring quality (to attack)," Nicholls, told PTI in an interview.
"Mohammed Shami along with Jasprit Bumrah and Ishant Sharma have proven their quality over the years which is similar to our seamers (Tren Boult, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner) on whom we really pride ourselves on.
"So if you are facing that kind of a line-up, it’s an exciting challenge and as a group we are expecting it to be tough but also looking forward to the challenge,” Nicholls added.
India’s last game in whites against New Zealand came in early 2020 when Virat Kohli-led team were decimated by Kane Williamson-led Blackcaps.
India’s number three in Tests, Cheteshwar Pujara recently downplayed the outcome of the series and had said that as the WTC final will be played at a neutral venue, it will not give an extra advantage to either India or New Zealand.
Nicholls agreed to Pujara’s sentiment but with some exception and said that the neutral venue for the WTC final has neutralised any sort of advantage for teams and they will compete in a ‘level playing field.’
"It’s an exciting challenge as finally, we will be playing a Test match at a neutral venue. So that for both sides kind of levels the playing field,” Nicholls said.
He differed from Pujara’s assertion on the point of confidence and said the Blackcaps will carry a lot of confidence from their series win against India in 2020. He also acknowledged that the Indian team have been on an upward curve and a contest between the top two sides are bound to be closer and riveting.
"We beat them 2-0 a season back (2019-20). But we know and accept that it’s a different challenge but as a group, we take a lot of confidence from that series win against India. Obviously, Number one and two playing the final is a challenge too," he said.
New Zealand have arrived in England early as they have to play a two-match long Test series against hosts England starting June 02 before competing against India in the WTC final in Southampton from June 18.