Picture Credit: AFP
The World Test Championship (WTC) final is just around the corner. After a cycle of home and away matches, one has got to believe that two of the best Test teams- India and New Zealand- have made it for the summit clash at the Southampton from June 18. While the New Zealand side will have a couple of Test matches against England to prepare for red-ball action, the tactical and strategic aspect of the preparations have begun for the Virat Kohli-led side as well.
With just a month to go for the all-important clash, Indian pacer Umesh Yadav has outlined the importance of getting Kane Williamson out as early as possible. Yadav, who has been picked as part of India's pace attack, believes Williamson doesn't have too many apparent weaknesses in his game which makes him a dangerous batsman.
English conditions are a big challenge for us: Umesh
"We do have a fair idea about Kane’s game, though I don’t think he has too many weaknesses. Of course, any quality batsman can fall to a good delivery, so as a fast bowler, you should look to stick to your strong points and bowl more of those balls which can fetch you wickets. And yeah, we need to get Kane out as early as possible as that’ll surely benefit the team," Yadav said in an exclusive chat with The Telegraph.
"New Zealand are a strong side, they bat deep and their pacers are quite experienced and lethal. So it will be a tough game. English conditions are also a big challenge for us and so is playing against a team like New Zealand. But being Test players, we need to play with discipline and make sure we remain disciplined right throughout in all aspects of the game. The team that maintains such discipline in each and every session will prevail," the 33-year-old right arm pacer added.
Notably, Yadav last donned Indian colours in the Boxing Day Test against Australia in 2020, where he sustained a calf injury after bowling just 3.3 overs in the second innings. It remains to be seen whether Umesh will be able to find a place in the XI for the clash against the Blackcaps in June.