Just before the beginning of the Test series, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson called the No.1-ranked Test side India as the world-class unit with quality pace bowling attack.
After the conclusion of the limited-overs series, where the visitors India won the five-match T20I series (5-0) and the hosts New Zealand won the three-match ODI series (3-0), both teams are getting ready for the two-match Test series.
Now, they will play the first game of longer version game at Basin Reserve (Wellington) that will begin on 21st February.
In the pre-match press conference, Williamson had effusively praised Team India. He believes that it is an excellent opportunity for his team to bring out their best performances on the field.
Williamson said, “India have a world-class side, world-class pace attack that have performed in all conditions. So, really an exciting opportunity for our team but once again it is trying to assist the conditions as best we can and commit our plans which ultimately gives us the best chance of good results.”
Notably, Williamson further talked about how the batsmen have to play in New Zealand against the top quality pace-bowling attack.
Williamson added, “Here in New Zealand, it does tend to provide a bit of movement and assistance for the fast bowlers. Leaving the ball well and knowing your off-stump is the important part to most, I guess, top-order batsmen’s games. So, I suppose adapting to what’s in front of us is the most important thing.”
Kane Williamson talks about the Wellington pitch and the first Test squad:
Moreover, Williamson feels the present Basin Reserve pitch is different than the usual one. Before finalising the playing XI for the first Test against India, the Kiwis captain wants to have a final look of the surface.
Williamson said, “We just want to have another look at this surface. It’s got a different look to what we’re used to seeing here at the Basin.”
Neil Wagner is going to miss the first Test as he hasn’t joined the team yet as he is waiting for the birth of his first child. The uncapped Kyle Jamieson is likely to make it to the playing XI. Apart from Jamieson, senior pacers; Trent Boult and Tim Southee will be the other New Zealand bowlers for the Wellington Test.
In the absence of Wagner, Williamson said, “You don’t replace a guy like Neil. The qualities that he brings are quite unique but you then bring in a guy who targets slightly different areas, coming from a slightly different height as well.”
Kane Williamson about the ICC World Test Championship:
The impending Test series will be the part of the 2019-21 ICC World Test Championship. Concurrently, India leads the points table of this Test Championship (360 points) by winning all the seven matches (three series).
Meanwhile, New Zealand are placed sixth on the Test Championship points table (60 points) as they have won only one game out of five Tests (two series).
Williamson believes that the Test Championship is the right step for the re-growth of Test cricket. Though he feels that the points system is not perfect. He is confident for its development with the time.
The Kiwi skipper said, “If you are playing good cricket and you are winning cricket games then the points coming a little bit more. The Test Championship is definitely a step in the right direction and not perfect but I’m sure that the first year or two there will always be efforts to continue to make it a better product. We are all keen to see how it falls and I’m sure it will develop over time.”
Under the ongoing Test Championship, the New Zealand vs India Test series will be the first home Test series for New Zealand and the second away Test series for India.