New Zealand’s historic series win against India has propelled them into contention for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. With an unassailable 2-0 lead, the Kiwis are eyeing a clean sweep in the third Test in Mumbai, starting Friday.
India, Australia, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand are the four teams vying for the two spots in the WTC final, scheduled for June 2024 at Lord’s. Despite their recent defeats, India remains atop the WTC table, followed by Australia. Sri Lanka and New Zealand occupy the third and fourth positions, respectively.
New Zealand’s victory in Pune has given them a psychological edge, but they face a new challenge in the red-soil pitch at the Wankhede Stadium. Coach Gary Stead acknowledges the difference in conditions and emphasizes the need for quick adaptation.
“The red clay is very different, so we’re going to have to adapt quickly,” Stead said. “Our next two training sessions are going to be important. For the WTC itself, there’s no doubt one more win would certainly help us.”
New Zealand’s triumph in the inaugural WTC edition in 2021, where they defeated India in the final, serves as inspiration for the team. Stead believes they can draw on that experience to achieve another special result.
“The first time we were in the situation of qualifying for the first WTC final, we had to win four Tests on the bounce and we managed to,” Stead recalled. “Hopefully that’s something we can lean on and say, ‘we’ve done it before, here’s an opportunity to perhaps do something very special again’.”
India, on the other hand, will be determined to avoid a series whitewash, which they last suffered at home in 2000 against South Africa. The hosts will be eager to close the gap with Australia at the top of the WTC table, where they currently trail by a mere 0.32 points percentage.
The third Test in Mumbai promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for victory and a place in the WTC final.
