Monty Panesar picks his favorite side for the WTC final

The inaugural ICC World Test Championship final (WTC) is one event that has totally managed to grip the cricketing aficionados across the world. The WTC’s main purpose was to make the red-ball format interesting and exciting among the public. Only two teams are left now, as India and New Zealand will fight it out in the marquee clash, at The Rose Bowl, Southampton on June 18.

Ahead of the mouthwatering finale, many former cricketers are giving their opinion on who might end up winning the summit clash. Some have picked the Black Caps while others feel India have an edge considering their red-hot form in Test cricket. Former England spinner Monty Panesar too has jumped into the bandwagon and has named his choice for the match.

Ahead of the WTC final, New Zealand are set to play against England for two Tests starting on June 02. Panesar feels that series will give a clearer picture about how New Zealand can cope on England pitches. The former spinner also stated India will begin as favorites for the finale.

Monty Panesar has his say on the marquee WTC final clash

“If New Zealand do well in the next two Test matches, then the momentum is going to favour them against India. But if England can beat them, suddenly they’re going to be low on confidence and it is a good time for India to come,” Panesar told news agency PTI.

England have not included their dynamic pace duo James Anderson and Stuart Broad in the squad and England have picked a B team considering few of its players who are either injured or just recovering yet.

“James Anderson and Stuart Broad are usually very effective at this time of the year but England have picked a B team (for NZ series) in the absence of some key players, so we will see. If you said the WTC final is in a week’s time, I would pick India as they have played much more hard cricket. The team is probably believing that it can win from any situation, while New Zealand have played good cricket, but they haven’t really had the hard victories like India.”

“What really makes a top team is when you win from really difficult, tough situations,” he signed off.