Cricket: 'New Zealand may have the advantage': VVS Laxman ahead of the WTC final

VVS Laxman reviewed the debut World Test Championship Final among India and New Zealand, recommending the Kiwis will start with a slight benefit. Nonetheless, he feels India will hook back that deficiency with some exceptional training in the development of the fixture.

Much has been made about the BlackCaps going through near a month in England and playing two Tests before the WTC Final. India, then again, spends barely fourteen days with no match practice.

VVS Laxman addressed Sportstar about the equivalent, clarifying why New Zealand does enjoy a benefit in any case.

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"Well, theoretically, that's an advantage for New Zealand, because whenever you play any Test match in overseas conditions, you at least would like to play one - if not two matches before the main match. There's no doubt it helps you to get acclimatized to the conditions. That's always been the norm for so many years. Especially for the batsmen, it will take time to get used to the new conditions. So theoretically, New Zealand has the advantage" - he said.

While many have made a comparative contention, shifting the equilibrium in New Zealand's approval, Indian captain Virat Kohli wasn't excessively stressed over something similar prior to flying out to England. VVS Laxman has a comparable view and referenced how he anticipates that the side should get immediately acquainted with the conditions.

"But India has not taken a backward step, irrespective of whatever challenges they have faced. The series win in Australia was a testament to their character and their positive mindset. So even though theoretically, New Zealand - who is already accustomed to the English conditions - may have the advantage, I am sure the Indian team will maybe have intense training sessions before the final" - he added

VVS Laxman additionally addressed the captains, Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson. Brett Lee on Friday had brought up the differentiating captaincy styles of the two, calling the New Zeland captain "conservative" while at the same time naming the Indian skipper "aggressive".

"Well, I don't think that there is a competition between Kane and Virat. Rather, there is a lot of mutual respect and admiration. Both of them are true role models, who have become an inspiration for the younger generation - not only in their country but all over the world. Both of them take a lot of pride in playing the game of cricket. It does not matter if they are playing for their country or in the IPL or club cricket, the way they prepare for each and every match is incredible" - he said

"The manner in which they have driven their individual sides, the manner in which they have streamlined their latent capacity and ability is mind-boggling. They have been instrumental in taking their group forward. Kane was instrumental in the smooth progress of the New Zealand group after Brendon McCullum and senior players of that side resigned. It was comparable for Virat" - he added