Kane Williamson: The program is challenging, but I look forward to returning to Test cricket

The World Test Championship of India will start in Green Park here after three days of the T20 International series between the participating teams. On Wednesday, Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane and his teammate Kane Williamson said their teams were preparing well for a major two Test series, but Williamson was also honest enough to call cricket programming a “challenge”.

“It’s a very difficult schedule after a World Cup,” Williamson said in a virtual press conference.

“I think it’s pretty difficult in these times to have content and schedules that we would all like to have. And somehow it is fixed with things that are out of our control. But we’re all lucky to be here and play international cricket. Being in India and playing cricket here is one of the most special things one can do, ”he said.

“Returning to Test cricket is always something special. And certainly for boys who play in Test format, it’s been a while since they’ve been very excited to return to camp. It’s been a while since then. [World Test Championship] a final that is a special memory, but we know that we are against a very strong side. They are tremendous in these conditions, so it’s a big challenge, but we are eager to move forward, ”he said.

READ

Shreyas Iyer will make his debut in the first test against New Zealand

Williamson had no doubt that the spin in both Tests would be a big factor. “I’m sure the spin component will be an exact factor throughout the series and I’m sure it’s no different here externally. We were part of the last test played here in 2016. Things have changed a bit; it will be about evaluating these conditions as quickly as possible and trying to make these adjustments quickly on the side, ”he said.

These adaptations will bring roles assigned to her tailors and spinners. Neil Wagner’s quick left-footed ball bowled here in the hot afternoon, but given the likely wicket, low and slow, should his playing style change to suit the team’s requirements? “The spin factor will be there, and Aijaz [Patel] and Will Somerville will play a large part in our bowling attack under these conditions. There will also be important roles in seam bowls if there is a reverse swing and it is also important to try to find some creative ways to take the wickets. So there’s definitely a role for tailors and spinners, ”Williamson said.

A good choice for young people – Rahane

India who would have played without three players in their first team – Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul (with an injury) – did not become the favorites for the New Zealand series, Williamson and Rahane felt. he has also repeated his faith in the team’s substitute players.

“We’re definitely going to miss all these guys. For all the young people who play, those who have the opportunity, we will protect ourselves so that they can play freely. Rahul bhai (Rahul Dravid) is the protection of every individual. This team has the support of everyone. It’s a good opportunity for young people to have an impact tomorrow, ”he said.

Without saying much about the team’s combination, Rahan announced that batsman Shreyas Iyer of Mumbai and Delhi Capitals would make his debut. “We’re not very sure about the team combination. But in India, spinning tracks are generally low and slow. We expect that, but we don’t know if the wicket will behave, ”he said.

Rahane will be one of the two main players who give strength to one of India’s Green Parks – the other being Cheteshwar Pujara – and his one will be under control as he tries to revive his form. Rahan has just 19.57 in 11 tries this year, with only half a century left in 19 innings.

Rahan, in his typical way, dismissed concerns about the shape of his bat. Revealing what message Dravid has conveyed to Pujar and him, Rahan said: “He told us to protect our skills and keep it very simple so as not to worry too much about the lack of running. For me and Pujar, we know our game plan. We have been playing for so many years. it’s about sustaining ourselves ”.