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There are less than two days remaining for the much-awaited World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand. The mega encounter is expected to be one of the most exciting matches in the history of Test cricket given the aura the two finalists have in the format. While New Zealand are the number 1 Test team, India are second in the rankings with just two points less than that of the list toppers.
Both the teams have shown trust in their seasoned campaigners for the grand finale set to kick off on June 18 at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton. However, one name that caught the limelight in the recent past is Devon Conway- the rising international star, who scored a record-breaking double ton in his maiden Test match, that too against a team like England on latter's home soil.
The inspiring story of Conway is now known to every cricket fan, however, a lot about the player is yet to be revealed. In an exclusive interview with SportsTiger, the head coach of Wellington Firebirds Glenn Pocknall - who has also coached Devon Conway when the player moved to New Zealand from South Africa - reveals in detail the players' struggles, his dedication and his self-belief that saw him eventually making it to New Zealand's national squad. Mr Glenn also talks about the bowler he feels could challenge the southpaw.
Ashwin is a world-class spinner in turning conditions: Glenn Pocknall
The coach thinks that Conway should be wary of India's spin great Ravichandran Ashwin in the WTC final. He termed the Tamil Nadu-born player a world-class spinner.
"All of them (Indian bowlers) are world-class bowlers and all of them could challenge Devon Conway. And that's the beauty of the final that two great teams are coming up against each other but I think the biggest threat will have to be (Ravichandran) Ashwin. Especially in turning conditions Ashwin is a world-class spinner, and he has been there for a long time and has worked around many batsmen, especially many left-handed batsmen, I know Ashwin will be a challenge for Conway," said Pocknall on 'SportsTiger Talks'.
However, the coach showed trust in the batsman and said that the southpaw would not bow down to Ashwin and would rather be ready for the challenge.
"I know that Devon would be really looking forward to facing a spinner of Ashwin's quality. He will be excited about that challenge like he was excited to play (James) Anderson and (Stuart) Broad. So, yeah, that is the one battle I am personally looking to see how the two go at it and see who comes out on top," Glenn added.