Former Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne heavily criticized New Zealand’s decision to go into the final without a natural spinner in their ranks. Earlier in the day, the Kiwis decided to arm their bowling attack with four front-line pacers with all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme playing as the fifth bowler.
This decision was made owing to the overcast conditions at the venue in Southampton. After winning the toss, skipper Kane Williamson decided to bowl first and his decision was justified at the end of the first session. New Zealand went into the break with India on a knife’s edge at 69/2, having dismissed the Indian openers after the drinks break.
If India score more than 275/300, the match is over – Shane Warne
The Indian team had announced its playing XI a day before the start of the final. Their approach to the game was to go in with a well-rounded attack, with 2 spinners and 3 pacers. On the other hand, New Zealand decided to omit their spinner Ajaz Patel, who played in the second Test against England.
Australian legend Shane Warne was disappointed with this choice, and he stated that the spinners will come into play later on in the game due to footmarks in the pitch that have started developing on Day 1.
“Very disappointed in Nz not playing a spinner in the #ICCWorldTestChampionship as this wicket is going to spin big with huge foot marks developing already. Remember if it seems it will spin. India make anything more than 275/300 ! The match is over unless weather comes in !” Shane Warne wrote on Twitter.
Very disappointed in Nz not playing a spinner in the #ICCWorldTestChampionship as this wicket is going to spin big with huge foot marks developing already. Remember if it seems it will spin. India make anything more than 275/300 ! The match is over unless weather comes in !
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) June 19, 2021
Bad stay play spoilsport once again on day 2
Play on Day 2 has had a stop/start motion to it so far, because of the poor light in Southampton. After the latest development, India were 146/3 with skipper Virat Kohli sitting comfortably on 44* and his deputy Ajinkya Rahane, on 29*.
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill got India off to a fine start after Kane Williamson asked them to bat first. But New Zealand bounced back with a cluster of wickets before Kohli and Rahane bailed India out before bad light stopped play.
