Kiwis wary of Ashwin, Jadeja threat: Nicholls

New Delhi, May 26

India’s pace attack is on par with New Zealand’s world class swing operators but the Black Caps’ batsman Henry Nicholls is more wary of the threat spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja may pose during the upcoming World Test Championship final.

India and New Zealand will fight it out for the inaugural title at Southampton’s Ageas Bowl, one of those rare English tracks known to aid the slow bowlers for a considerable period in Test matches.

“India have a very good seam attack and also have the experienced spinners like Ashwin and Jadeja. They have been consistent in all parts of the world,” Nicholls said.

If there are no injury concerns, the Indian pace troika that is expected to be in the playing XI for the clash starting June 18 would be Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami.

“Mohammed Shami along with Jasprit Bumrah and Ishant Sharma have proven their quality over the years which is similar to our seamers on whom we really pride ourselves. So if you are facing that kind of a line-up, it’s an exciting challenge,” the 29-year-old southpaw, who enjoys a 43-plus average over 37 Test matches, said.

His teammate Devon Conway’s strategy of pouring dry cat litter on the track in order to create rough was backed by Nicholls as they are playing at a “neutral venue” which is known to assist the spinners.

“That was something that we experimented in the camp before we came over to UK,” Nicholls said. “You managed to get some more turn and get some practice. So playing at a neutral venue, we need to check what the wickets will be like there. Also the guile of Ashwin and Jadeja is something that we need to be prepared for,” he added. — PTI

English conditions should suit NZ more: Cummins

Sydney: Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins feels if the current wet weather conditions in England persist, New Zealand will enjoy an edge over India in the World Test Championships final.”It is going to be a good match. I think there has been a lot of rain in England from what I have seen in the news. I think, in terms of conditions, it is probably close to New Zealand conditions,” Cummins said. “We have seen both teams not having played Test matches for a couple of months. So, it is a one-off. Anything can happen. I will sit on the fence. If I say anything, the conditions should probably suit New Zealand more than India,” the 28-year-old added.