WTC final: Indian bowling attack is right up with the best, says New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson

Ahead of the much-awaited World Test Championship (WTC) final, the New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson says India has one of the best bowling attacks in the world. New Zealand will face India in the WTC final, starting June 18 at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.

Citing the example of India’s historic triumph in Australia, where a second-string-bowling attack floored the hosts, the New Zealand skipper feels that the depth in Indian bowling is immense.

Speaking to the ICC website, the 30-year-old said: “They have got a fantastic attack. Brilliant, obviously a brilliant side. Throughout, we have seen the depth they have as well, certainly saw that in Australia as well. A lot of strengths in their fast bowling and spin department.”

“ The Indian bowling attack is ranked right up the top, which is fair enough and an exciting opportunity for us to be involved in the final taking on the best,” said Williamson.

With Jasprit Bumraj, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj, India did have a formidable pace attack, backed by two brilliant spinners in the form of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.

On the other hand, New Zealand’s bowling attack, too, is one of the finest. With Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson, and the wiry Neil Wagner, the New Zealand pace attack can torment any batting line-up of the world.

With Boult coming back to play in the WTC final, it will be a sweet headache to the New Zealand skipper. It will be interesting to see whether New Zealand will play the all-pace attack or drop the left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, or one among Jamieson and Wagner will miss out.

On Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson said: “He has been a pivotal part of our team for a number of years and his role is unique and certainly different from the other bowlers. His ability to bowl long spells and keep applying pressure for long periods of time has been something that has made him so successful at the international level. He is a big member of our side and a big character in our team. It is always great to have him along.”