We are just a week away from the most awaited and the first of its kind World Test Championship (WTC) final as India locks horns with New Zealand at the Rose Bowl Stadium, Southampton. How have the Indians fared at Southampton before? Have a look at it here.
Both teams are even when it comes to firepower in both departments. The Indians played their last match against Australia, where they managed to create history by breaching the Gabba fortress, while the Kiwi are fresh, after an enthralling test series against England.
Today, we will dive deep and compare how bowlers from both nations have performed in England.
Jasprit Bumrah vs Trent Boult
Two of the world's most fierce fast bowlers, both Bumrah and Boult have proven themselves in all forms of cricket. The fact that both players are the spearheads of Mumbai Indians in the IPL, a competition between the two counterparts couldn't have been better.
Bumrah is a right-handed fast bowler, while Boult is a left-handed pacer. Both have different bowling actions, contrary run-ups, but it is safe to say that both of them bowl malignant yorkers.
Let's see their stats now!
Ishant Sharma vs Tim Southee
This comparison is between two bowlers or you can say the most experienced bowlers from both countries. As things stand, both of them are focused only on Test Cricket as far as national duty is concerned, but it still does not take away the fact that Sharma and Southee have been influential in their respective team's success over the years.
Fitness has been an issue for both, but these bowlers have shown grit and determination to compete amongst some of the best young bowling prospects in their squads and are still picked over them.
The experience both players provide to their teams is commendable and it would be very fascinating to see both, or either of them to play an enormous role in this final.
Mohammad Shami vs Kyle Jamieson
This comparison may seem very inequitable if only numbers are compared but both bowlers have quite a few similarities. Except for their height, both bowlers are brilliant at executing the short ball.
Kyle Jamieson may not have many test matches under his belt, but even Mohammad Shami is in a similar place, after dealing with a rough patch that shook his rhythm in both, his personal and professional life.
Both bowlers can swing the ball well, have a great pace, and have an image of making the most of the conditions available. Who do you think will come on top on "D-Day"? We'll find it out in a week, for now, let's have a glimpse of their numbers in England.
Ravindra Jadeja vs Neil Wagner
Both are exceptional left-handed bowlers. However, Jadeja as we know, is a spinner, while Neil Wagner is a left-arm fast-medium bowler. Jadeja can be a menace if there is turn on and bounce on the pitch, while Wagner is certain to use his tall stature to great use on the bouncy track of Rosebowl.
If the team needs, Jadeja can do a lot with the bat, while Neil Wagner does is known for his batting skills, his ability to take the ball away from the batsmen will surely keep him in the spotlight in this all important finale. Both players have been very influential in their roles recently, and both of them hold attributes to turn the game in their favor at any given time.
Ravichandran Ashwin vs Mitchell Santner
Both bowlers have more than a CSK link with them. Ashwin left the franchise in the same year as Santner was roped in. As far as test cricket is concerned, their position in their names is quite alike.
Ashwin is India's key spinner over the last few years, while the situation has been more or less for Santer as well. Both are great spinners of the bowl, with Ashwin producing magic from his right hand, while Santner does it with his left.
Both players can bat well, and both players have at least a ton in their records as well. Who do you back? Will Ashwin's experience comes in handy for India once again or will Santner make the Indians taste their own medicine?
For India, Mohammed Siraj could be a trump card as his bowling in foreign conditions has been phenomenal. For New Zealand, Dary Mitchell and Matt Henry are the options available.
What are your thoughts? Will the Indian bowlers avenge the World Cup's semi-final loss or will the Kiwi bowlers break the Indian hearts again?
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