Having played two Tests, New Zealand will definitely come in with an advantage: Ravi Ashwin

Many players in the past including the likes of India’s Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ishant Sharma, and Umesh Yadav have argued that the World Test Championship is of the same stature as the World Cup. India’s ace speedster Ravi Ashwin echoed the same sentiments as he added that the cricketers wanted a tournament like WTC for the purest format of the game. 

India will lock horns against New Zealand in the final of the World Test Championship from June 18 to June 22 at Southampton. Entering the contest, New Zealand will have a massive advantage as they are currently playing a two-match Test series against England.

The Test series will provide them with a chance to get accustomed to the English conditions as compared to India who last featured in an international assignment in March 2021. Team India recently came out of isolation in the United Kingdom (UK) after completing their quarantine period and are now trying to get themselves match-ready by hosting practice sessions. 

Speaking about the same, Ashwin asserted that he is hoping to see a well-organized and settled Kiwi team in the final. “I expect a very well-planned and a well-knit New Zealand team to come at us. Having played two Tests, they will definitely come in with an advantage, so we have to adapt quickly,” the off-spinner said in a video uploaded on the BCCI website. 

You don’t need to cover the ground or the pitch in England, you need to cover the clouds: Ravi Ashwin

Further, speaking about the concept of the World Test Championship, the veteran reckoned that it is exciting and important for the upliftment of the purest format of the game. “It is really exciting, in all these years we have never played a team at a neutral venue in Test cricket. Test cricket is the ultimate format of the sport that we have. It is the greatest test of a cricketer’s ability, mental strength, and everything. For a long time, cricketers wanted this kind of space, with some context to Test cricket. Looking forward to the final,” Ashwin added.

England has tricky pitches as the weather plays a crucial role in deciding the fate of the game. Speaking about the conditions at Southampton, Ashwin added that the condition of the ball matters a lot and one needs to adapt quickly to play in cloudy conditions too. 

“I sometimes funnily say this – You don’t need to cover the ground or the pitch in England, you need to cover the clouds. The condition of the ball and the situation of the game matters a lot. One aspect that stands out is the understanding of Test cricket that the clouds bring here,” Ravi Ashwin signed off.