Why Did Williamson Pick 5 Fast-Bowlers & No Spinners For WTC Final? | Explained
New Zealand captain believed in his bowlers' ability to swing and picked 5 pacers. Williamson had Ajaz Patel and Will Young as spin bowling options in his ranks, but the Kiwi skipper was clear about having 5 pacers. But why so? We try to find out below.
Southampton: After waiting for an entire day, the World Test Championship Final eventually began on Day 2. Virat Kohli lost the toss yet again and was put in to bat first. Virat Kohli's bad luck with the toss was not a new thing for fans but Kane Williamson's decision to pick 5 fast-bowlers definitely must have raised some eyebrows.
On one hand, where India picked a traditional side with 3 pacers and 2 spinners, the New Zealand captain believed in his bowlers' ability to swing and picked 5 pacers. Williamson had Ajaz Patel and Will Young as spin bowling options in his ranks, but the Kiwi skipper was clear about having 5 pacers. But why so? We try to find out below.
Overcast Skies
Although there is a misconception about cloudy weather affecting swing. A part of it is true and it must have affected Williamson's decision. But when there are overcast conditions, there is more dew in the air which makes the ball wet and the surface slightly damp. This makes the ball move laterally and skid faster off the wicket. In such conditions, the ball comes onto the bat faster.
Grass On Pitch
There was an even covering of grass. This helps the ball to bounce a little more than usual. These are trademark conditions for a Test match in England. Indian batsman, who are used to the ball coming onto the bat struggle in these conditions against the new ball.
On grassy wickets, the new ball seams and swings, while the older ball starts reversing. This helps the fast-bowlers. Williamson must have had these reasons in mind while picking his XI.
Meanwhile, after the first session India lost two important wickets.
"Conditions, with the weather around, hopefully, we can make the most of it. Saying that, the wicket will be consistent throughout the game going by the cool weather. Have gone for four frontline seamers. One all-rounder, No spinner," Williamson said during the toss.
Let's take a look at both the Playing XIs
India Playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (captain), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah
New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (c), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling (wk), Will Young.
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