Just as we all thought, last two days of test had everything in it and a better team emerged as Champion.
Congrats New Zealand!
Leaders walk the talk. Kane Williamson stood as a pillar for all his team members to creep on and go higher to fetch the coveted WTC Trophy.
Team selection had a contrast between both the teams. New Zealand selection was pragmatic and India’s selection looked more emotional. By emotional I mean overthinking about the venue, finals etc and by which selecting a traditional team selection by including spinners than seamers.
All the weather forecast channels screamed a fortnight earlier that rain is unavoidable with precipitation very high. This wasn’t enough for Team India to take their eye off spinners during selection.
The next opportunity to realise and make adjustments was on Day 1. As it rained and the start got delayed and delayed which means toss hasn’t taken place, Team India should have made changes to get the fourth seam bowler before the toss.
The 32 runs lead by New Zealand could have been avoided by the fourth seamer thus gaining grounds going to bat for the second time. In a low scoring match, every run matters which was proved by Williamson by placing Latham in an odd field position to trap Shami’s wicket. This brought memories of Dhoni’s captaincy. Rahane's first innings wicket (caught on pull) was a clear set piece effort which was very successful.
Team India top order batters had no aggression, patience and temperament to get over the difficult period.
It was pretty ordinary captaincy by Kohli at least I infer following the game. The player battle (batter vs Bowler) or set piece fielding based on weakness of players was not evident on the field to put pressure on New Zealand. Successful captains have proven over a period of time that being in present pave way for better decision making for their success.
Yet another finals botched up and the the wait to lift a major trophy continues for Team India.
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