WTC final: Tom Latham says "big challenge coming up" against India

With the match finishing in under four days, the Kiwis will get a day extra to rest and prepare for the India challenge.

Published : Jun 13, 2021 21:07 IST

Latham said that India's performances on its tour of England in 2018- albeit in a 4-1 series defeat- showed that it would be tough to beat at the Ageas Bowl.

India is dangerous on all fronts, New Zealand vice-captain Tom Latham said of heam's challenger for the World Test Championship crown, describing the Virat-Kohli unit as a "completely different side" from vanquished England.

In the absence of injured Kane Williamson, Latham led the team to a memorable 1-0 Test series triumph in the two-match rubber against host England, New Zealand's first in the UK since 1999.

"They've (India) got a fantastic set of bowlers, a lot of quality batsmen that have scored runs in different conditions all around the world. They were over here a few years ago and played really well, so we know we'll have to play well to beat them."

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While the team celebrated a fine series triumph, Latham said the focus will shift to India in two days.

"The preparation has been great but it's important that we do shift our focus and adapt to a completely different side," he said at the post-match press conference.

Latham said that India's performances on its tour of England in 2018- albeit in a 4-1 series defeat- showed that it would be tough to beat at the Ageas Bowl.

The inaugural WTC final is scheduled to be held in Southampton from June 18-23.

With the match finishing in under four days, the Kiwis will get an extra day to prepare for the final.

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"Great to put the feet up for a day, a big challenge coming up but looking forward to celebrating, haven't won here since 1999, so celebrate tonight and then look forward," Latham said.

"Great support from Kiwis, the English and also back home. The atmosphere was amazing."

New Zealand won the match by eight wickets and when asked what he would rate higher- a series triumph in England or a victory in the WTC final- Latham said both.

"Both sound pretty good. From our point of view, it was about coming here and focusing on these first two Test matches against England and trying to continue doing what we've been doing over a couple of years now.

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"Now that we've ticked them off, it's important that our focus shifts to India in a couple of days."

"It's a fantastic achievement from the group. I think it's important that we celebrate with each other. It hasn't been done since '99. It's certainly an achievement that's worth celebrating."

"For us to come here as a group, it was about trying to play our brand of cricket and I thought we did that really well over the four days and got our rewards at the end."

New Zealand's first Test series win in England in 22 years moved it back to the top of the ICC rankings ahead of India. This was England's first home Test series defeat since 2014.