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Michael Holding highlights India's advantage over New Zealand in WTC final

Former West Indian cricketer Michael Holding believes that Virat Kohli led team India will go in as favourites in the World Test Championship final.

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Sky247 Staff
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While several experts are of the opinion that the two match Test series against England will give New Zealand an edge over India in the World Test Championship(WTC) final, former West Indian cricketer Michael Holding thinks otherwise and believes that India will go in as favourites as they have a formidable bowling attack that can trouble any opposition, irrespective of the conditions.

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"Obviously, conditions will play a role. But the bowling attack India have, it will help them even if conditions remain bright. And if it’s sunny throughout, they can even afford to play two spinners. They have that advantage. Even if conditions are damp, I still think India will include one spinner, which could be (Ravichandran) Ashwin as he can contribute well with his batting too. The pitch there (at the Ageas Bowl) does offer turn for spinners, which will be to India’s liking," Holding said in an interaction with The Telegraph.

Holding further compared the leadership skills of Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson, adding that both captains are very different from each other. Holding opined that Williamson is calmer of the two while Kohli is more aggressive.

"A calmer captain can help his teammates stay more relaxed on the field. As a result, they can see to it that they aren’t too tense. At the same time, though, an expressive/animated captain could be required to lift the spirits of his team, especially during tough and critical situations,” Holding observed.

India and New Zealand will cross swords in Southampton from 18-22 June for the WTC title. New Zealand defeated India in their last Test series but Virat Kohli's men came back strongly and picked up consecutive series wins over Australia and England.

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