'60-40, New Zealand' - Brendon McCullum backs the Kiwis to win WTC final against India

The cricket fraternity seems divided into two halves regarding the winner of the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship. India will square off against New Zealand in the final of the WTC from June 18 to June 22 at Southampton. Before the marquee match, New Zealand will face England in the two-match Test series, starting from June 2.

Former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum backed the Black Caps to secure a victory against India and emerge as the World Champions. Brendon believes that the Test series against England will help the Kiwis in setting the mood for the WTC final and will also make the players familiar with the conditions and the pitches in the United Kingdom (UK).

According to McCullum, New Zealand has a 60-40 chance of winning the final. “I thought I was getting away with that (this question). I think 60-40, New Zealand. I think it’s gonna be close but I think the match practice that New Zealand is going to have against England leading into the final could just tip it their way,” Brendon McCullum told Sports Today.

I think it is going to be very close: Brendon McCullum

Though the former Kiwi skipper hailed his team as the winner of the WTC, he added that the cricket fraternity is gearing up for a cracking affair. The veteran is sure that India will not go down without a fight and will give a close fight to the Black Caps.

Also, Brendon believes that New Zealand will respect India just like various cricket fans across the globe do for their fighting spirit and their love for the gentleman’s game.

“But I think it is going to be very close. Just as New Zealand would respect India… As a fan, I also respect India given the fact that I know how good they are and how competitive they are, and the fighting spirit that they have. I think we are in for a ripping World Test Championship final and may the best team win,” said Brendon McCullum.

After the WTC final, Virat Kohli and Men will prolong their stay in the United Kingdom as they will face England in the five-match Test series from August 4 to September 14.