Picture Credit: Getty Images, BCCI
One of cricket's all-time great all-rounder, Sir Richard Hadlee, made some big statements ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand next month. Hadlee said that he is looking forward to the contest and admitted that it is too difficult to call a winner prior to the match.
Apart from the match, Hadlee opened up on India's contribution to world cricket, heaping praise on the country as a cricketing nation. He went on to suggest that without India, the face of the cricketing world would be different and further stated that since the South Asian country produces a lot of revenue for the sport, the sport also needs India to prosper.
India has made an outstanding contribution to Test cricket, says the Kiwi legend
"There is no doubt India produces a lot of revenue for cricket. Without India, the face of world cricket would be very different, therefore cricket needs India. But India has also made an outstanding contribution to Test cricket - like in all formats," he was quoted as saying.
"Their Test performances in Australia were outstanding despite that 36 all-out blip. They bounced back superbly, and Test cricket came alive again. So many youngsters came into the team and performed. It showed the great depth of talented players India have in all formats," he added.
Don't think either team will be too fazed about WTC Final: Hadlee
Meanwhile, talking about the WTC final, Hadlee remarked that since it is a one-off game, he feels neither team will be too fazed about it.
"Both teams deserve to be contesting the final because of their consistency over a set period. It all comes down as to who is better prepared and who adapts better to the English conditions the quickest," the 69-year-old said.