ICC WTC Final: Parthiv and Irfan feels Mohammed Shami will hold key for India

Former Indian wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel believes Cheteshwar Pujara in batting and Mohammed Shami in bowling will be the key figures for India the inaugural ICC World Test Championship final against New Zealand.

Parthiv gave his views on who might score the maximum runs. And who can be the highest wicket-taker in the upcoming WTC Final.

“I will back Cheteshwar Pujara to get the highest-scorer title in this Test match. If India has to win, you have to keep Pujara for your No. 3 — if India loses early wickets. If he goes on to bat for 3-4 hours in this Test match, I think India will be in a very good position. So I am backing Pujara to be the highest run-scorer in this Test match,” Parthiv said.

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“I will put cricketing logic aside and I will back India to win this Test match. I think Mohammed Shami holds the key to the Indian bowling attack. Yes, (Jasprit) Bumrah and @Ishant Sharma have been bowling and preparing well. But I think Mohammed Shami is the key to the way he has been bowling in England, and he has done really well in all conditions,” Parthiv added.

Irfan said: “WTC final, it’s the biggest Test match ever. I think New Zealand will have a 55-45 advantage.

I also think Kane Williamson will be the highest scorer; and in terms of highest wicket-taker, it will be between Trent Boult and Mohammed Shami.”

India will take on New Zealand from June 18 at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton, to decide the first world champion side of the longest format.
The playing conditions confirm that a draw or a tie will see both teams crowned as joint winners. A Reserve Day has also been allocated for the title clash to make up for any lost time during the regular days of the match, scheduled to be played from June 18 to 22.

(With Input From TimesOfIndia)