Former fast bowler Shane Bond believes New Zealand will bowl cheap to India if they field first after winning the toss in the final of the World Test Championship in Southampton.
Former New Zealand pacer Shane Bond feels the Blackcaps will get India out cheaply if they win the toss and bowl first in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) starting in Southampton from June 18. Bond couldn't really say what India can do if they win the toss but he expects skipper Kane Williamson to correctly say the Kiwis will dominate.
"...if New Zealand win the toss and also bowl. I think they will get India out cheaply and that's not a bad thing," Bond said at a virtual press conference organized by Star Sports. Official broadcaster of the game.
The right-arm pacer, who gave the Indian top-order a run for its money during his playing days, said there is a 'risk' if New Zealand do not dismiss India cheaply.
"The risk is that if they (New Zealand) don't get them out, India have two world-class spinners and are right in the game.
"So, this toss is going to be huge. And that first innings is going to be huge," he said.
Weather can play an important role in WTC finals. As per the forecast, there is a good chance of rain in all the five days of the summit. There is a reserve day for the WTC Finals to make up for the overs lost due to bad weather. But in England, the ever-changing weather can play an important role as Duke's ball swings more in cloudy and cloudy conditions.
If Bond's prediction comes true and New Zealand decide to include India, openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will have to finish their job against Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson.
Bond hopes for a good fight between Rohit and Boult
Talking about the fight between Rohit Sharma and Trent Boult, former Kiwi fast bowler Shane Bond said: "What do I know, even during IPL, Boult was running on Rohit's pads and telling him that this It's going to happen. In the WTC final. It was just fantastic, they both knew they were going to come up against each other. I just love Rohit Sharma, I see him playing the role of Matthew Hayden. "
"He goes out like he did against England earlier this year, he imposes himself, he is dynamic and he can score very quickly. He can take the game away in an hour, top order But the batting suits him, if he scores fast, it immediately puts pressure on the bowling attack. I can't wait for the fight between Boult and Rohit. I am hoping to see some smiles among the people as well "
Bond backs New Zealand to win WTC final
"I think New Zealand are going to win. Sporting practices are going to have a huge impact. I think India has a balanced bowling attack. I think they will play three fast bowlers and two spinners," Bond said.
"I think New Zealand will play with five fast bowlers and I think they will win the toss and they will bowl first," he said.