The Black Caps Take One Home
When all is done and dusted , the team which rose to the occasion were the Kiwis , who showed a resounding display of test cricket on the reserve and final day of the World Test Championships , and took home the Test mace . On the final day ,after wrapping up the Indian side for 170 , New Zealand won the game with 8 wickets in hand . Despite the Indian bowlers rather dogged resistance in restricting them , the batsmen were in no trouble or hurry at all .
While there are cries saying that the Indian team has choked once again in an ICC tournament , right when it matters , I would like to say that this once the credit truly belongs to New Zealand . They played the game to the book , bringing swing bowlers in English conditions to having a settled plan for every batsman . India may have multiple showstoppers and powerhouses , but New Zealand showed why they are the best team in the world (in at least Test cricket ) . Kane Williamson has been inspiring the Kiwis into a team described ( and rightfully I might add ) as humble . They play the game in a rather stoic manner , akin to a well oiled unit , and it showed in their games throughout these two years . In contrast India was left behind , tantalisingly close to the title yet again and left with questions to be answered . First , there is a recurring problem for India to win the big games . Onlookers and the couch coaches have suggested removing Kohli as a captain , and while it seems justified at one level , it may also be mere spite . The second and more serious concern is of that of our batting . Our mainstay of batting , Pujara , Rahane and Kohli have not been consistent , while our bowlers hardly add any runs to the total . In contrast New Zealand makes India sweat for every wicket , once India is 7 down , it might as well be all out .If India wants to win silverware in the next 4 years , it has to contend with these inner demons more than any other reason soon .
But this in no means trying to take anything away from the complete performance of New Zealand . A well deserved and brilliant performance overall and more than worthy of the title of the world’s best .