Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris has pointed out worrying signs for Team India opener Rohit Sharma ahead of the ICC World Test Championship final. Virat Kohli & Co lock horns with New Zealand in the marquee clash in Southampton, starting June 18 (Friday).
This will be Rohit’s first assignment as an opener in red-ball cricket in English conditions. The stylish opener will be keen to stamp his authority and proof that he can score runs across conditions. Meanwhile, head groundsman at Southampton, Simon Lee has made it clear that they are aiming to produce a fast and bouncy pitch.
Scott Styris believes it can spell trouble for Rohit Sharma, who is yet to be tested in these types of conditions.
“It is pitch dependent… I think I can’t stress that enough. I think if the ball is moving around then Rohit will have his struggles…,” Styris said during Star Sports’ show Game Plan.
“Rohit doesn’t really moves his feet a lot early in his innings. If that’s the case, then the swinging ball could be a problem for him,” he added.
Virat Kohli vs Neil Wagner will be key: Scott Styris
Scott Styris also highlighted New Zealand’s pace attack and singled out Neil Wagner’s role in the mix. The Black Caps have a potent pace attack boasting the likes of Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry in the squad alongside Wagner.
“There is no secret to New Zealand’s fast bowling plan if you like and that is Southee, Boult and either Jamieson or de Grandhomme will be the third seamer and they bowled till about the 22nd to 28th over with a new ball,” he said.
“And then Neil Wagner comes into the equation. So, when you talk about Wagner, it’s his ability to be aggressive and be a genuine wicket-taking option for somebody like (Virat) Kohli in those middle overs till the new ball comes around,” he added.
