These days, it’s more like the World XI at both ends, and maybe even after the first bowling change, too. Yet his absence still left New Zealand with three bowlers who might all have kept Hadlee decent company. New Zealand reached the top of the Test rankings earlier this year (they have since been supplanted by India), and will soon contest the World Test Championship final against the Indians at the Ageas Bowl. It will be India, whose last three Test tours of England have produced 11 defeats and two wins, who may start as underdogs. The strength of New Zealand’s batting was reflected by the ease with which they absorbed a rare double failure from their captain Kane Williamson.

Source: Daily Mail June 06, 2021 21:31 UTC