ICC WTC Final: Cheteshwar Pujara admits that New Zealand have an edge over India.
ICC WTC Final: Indian dependable Test batsman Cheteshwar Pujara admits that New Zealand will have an advantage over India coming to the ICC World Test Championship final having played two games against England.
The Kiwis have hammered the England test side in a two games Test series by 1-0. This is the first time in the last 22 years that New Zealand has defeated England in England in the test format.
The Indian outfit is having its simulations in intra squad games at Southampton before the final clash.
Pujara said that the team will utilize all its resources and time to put up a strong unit against New Zealand in the final, starting June 18.
“They will obviously have the advantage having played two Test matches before the final but when it comes to the final we will give our best and we know that our team has the potential to do well and win the championship,” Pujara told bcci.tv.
“So we are not worried about that, we will try and focus on these 10 to 12 days which we have for preparation. We are also going to play a practice game and we will try and make the most of what we have. If we utilise these days well, I feel that our team will be up for the final.”
The batsman said the most challenging part to play here in England is to adjust to the fickle weather.
“Playing in different conditions in a single day here is the most challenging part for a batsman because if it rains you go off the field and then suddenly it stops raining and you start again.
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“So there are breaks in between and this is where you need to understand and accept the challenge. Mentally you have to be strong, your concentration needs to be up to the mark.”
The senior cricketer feels proud to be here with the Indian team and play the final. He further said a lot of hard work has been done to stand here.
“Personally it means a lot to me because I am playing this one format and this is the most challenging format in cricket. We have worked really hard as a team for a period of time to reach here.
“So, I am sure all the guys are looking forward to the final and winning this final will mean a lot to us. But even to reach the final the team has worked really hard for two years.”
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