Indian cricket team will clash against New Zealand in the World Test Championship Final from June 18 at the Ageas Rose Bowl in Southampton. Mike Hesson, director of operations for Royal Challengers Bangalore, assessed that the final is more or less an equal battle.

Although New Zealand is currently playing against England at Lord’s – as part of a two-Test series, Hesson feels the teams are equally balanced in neutral conditions. The Kiwi side, which has failed to win a major trophy for 21 years now, is a ‘top quality side’ according to Hesson.

The WTC final will be a test of captaincy for both Kane and Virat – Mike Hesson

The former New Zealand head coach, Mike Hesson feels the viewers are in for an exciting contest provided there are no injuries for either team in the next few days.

“They are even. The fact that it’s being played at a neutral venue also makes the WTC final an even contest. I think both sides are going to be at their strongest, which is great. Assuming there are no injuries in the next couple of weeks, both sides will be at full strength and we are in for an exciting contest,” he said.

Mike Hesson has previously worked with both the captains. So when asked about their leadership styles, he felt the one who can make little tweaks during pressure situations will pull ahead in the race.

“Both are very good leaders and yes, both are different in their style of captaincy. Kane is more of a slow-burn in the sense that he likes to put pressure over a period of time. Virat, on the other hand, is constantly looking for ways to put his team in the driver’s seat.”

“The WTC Final will be a test of captaincy for both Kane and Virat. As the wicket changes from day to day, it will be interesting to see how both Kane and Virat make those little tweaks in their strategies to stay ahead,” he assessed.