India vs New Zealand, WTC final: From Kane Williamson to Kyle Jamieson- Analysing the 5 talking points

India succumbed to an eight-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the 2019-21 ICC World Test Championship final in Southampton. While NZ rejoices its triumph, we analyse the talking points from the ultimate Test of the new decade.

India vs New Zealand, WTC final: From Kane Williamson to Kyle Jamieson- Analysing the 5 talking points-ayh

Southampton, First Published Jun 25, 2021, 3:35 PM IST

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Team India managed to put up a fight but failed to prosper and instead succumbed to the greatness of New Zealand in the ICC World Test Championship 2019-21 final at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. It marked the beginning of a new era of Kiwi cricket.

However, the defeat hardly takes anything away from India, as it still remains the second-best in the ultimate format of the game. While the Kiwi rejoices its triumph, the failure is yet to sink in among the Indians, as it makes sense to analyse some of the talking points from the ultimate Test.

India vs New Zealand, WTC final: From Kane Williamson to Kyle Jamieson- Analysing the 5 talking points-ayh

Did rain make things worse?
First thing's first, it was the weather. The unstable conditions, followed by persistent rains, indeed made things worse for both sides. However, the conditions were the same for all, and it was NZ that triumphed in it.

Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council has to ensure that appropriate timing is needed when organising a match of such great stature in a country like England. Although it is summer in England currently, rains are no big deal in the country, even during the season.

India vs New Zealand, WTC final: From Kane Williamson to Kyle Jamieson- Analysing the 5 talking points-ayh

Kyle Jamieson: A new speedster in the making
The six feet and eight inches tall pacer was the talk of the Test, as Jamieson ripped apart the Indian batting order with his sheer pace and seam movement. While he made an impact since Day 2, it was on Day 3 that he seemed to be downright unstoppable, with the Indians struggling to read him correctly, despite having countered him well the previous day.

Nevertheless, the 26-year-old is fast rising as one of the most impactful bowlers, especially in the longest format. Furthermore, his ability to seam in all conditions has attracted quite some attention of the legends and is destined for tremendous success in the coming days. He deserves considerable credit for NZ's championship conquest.

ALSO READ: ICC World Test Championship final- Here's what Virat Kohli said on Indian batsmen

India vs New Zealand, WTC final: From Kane Williamson to Kyle Jamieson- Analysing the 5 talking points-ayh

India's batting let it down
Speaking of the letdown for Team India, it undoubtedly has to be its batting. Although it did manage to counter the tremendous seam movement from the Kiwis, the approach was wrong, as it went ultra-defensive, leading to a low total on the board. Also, skipper Virat Kohli made the point precise post match that calculated risks are worth taking in any game.

Speaking of another India's batting aspect, the only reliable batsman seems to be the young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant. However, he continues to have the flaw of going for unwanted/rash strokes when it is not needed. As was the case in the second innings, with India already six wickets down, Pant's job was to anchor the innings steadily.

India vs New Zealand, WTC final: From Kane Williamson to Kyle Jamieson- Analysing the 5 talking points-ayh

Top-notch captaincy from Kane Williamson
Although NZ clicked well in all departments and credit goes to the entire team for gelling as a unit, essential credit must also be given to skipper Williamson. While his initial decision to move in with an all-out seam attack was criticised, he proved the critics wrong. Also, his decision to send in the proper batsmen at the right time and relying on the top-order, besides playing the captain's knock himself, proves that he is a good leader who has turned the nice guys into the top guys.

India vs New Zealand, WTC final: From Kane Williamson to Kyle Jamieson- Analysing the 5 talking points-ayh

Advantage NZ
Now comes the so-called unfair part. Before the final, NZ was already in England, having played a two-Test series against the host. It did give it ample time for preparations, while winning the series also bolstered its confidence, as it headed into the final with the same momentum.

In contrast, India came into the final after being out of cricketing action for nearly a month. With no warm-up games, India was on its own. Although it did play an intra-squad match, it is still different from playing a competitive warm-up game against a local side. Nevertheless, it should not serve as an excuse for the Indians, as to be the best, one needs to be the best in all situations and adversities.

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Last Updated Jun 25, 2021, 3:35 PM IST

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