WTC final: “Indian openers were absolutely sensational” says, Brad Hogg

Former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg believes the Indian openers Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma played a sensational knock against the New Zealand pacers to give India a good start in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

Former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg believes the Indian openers Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma played a sensational knock against the New Zealand pacers to give India a good start in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

New Zealand won the toss and called the Indian team to bat first under tough conditions with overcast and the pitch covered with grass. However, New Zealand’s pacers’ hopes of collapsing the Indian batting side did not go as plan as Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill played an outstanding knock.

On his YouTube channel, a Former Australian cricketer explained the importance of the opening partnership of 62 runs for India was, as it set the foundation for a fighting first-innings total.

“I think both opening batsmen were absolutely sensational. They are more of a free-flowing type of players and had to adjust their game according to the tough conditions and play patiently. For me, they are the ones who put the New Zealand pacers on the backfoot,” Brad Hogg said.

“Being prepared to bat outside their crease and walk down the wicket takes a lot of courage on day one of a Test match where the ball is moving both ways prestigiously. If India win this Test match, it will be because of the openers’ forcefulness,” he added.

Kiwis’ pacers like Tim Southee and Trent Boult were expected to be difficult for the Indian openers under conditions favouring seam and swing. However, Brad Hogg feels the New Zealand pacers didn’t get their line and length right and the Indian openers took advantage of it.

“I think New Zealand with the new ball got a little bit greedy. They went away from their renowned game plan which is hitting a good length. They went a little bit too full and got a bit greedy with extra swing and wanting to get too many early wickets rather than being nice and patient and they paid the price. India got off to a good start, scoring 4 runs per over till the 10-over mark,” Brad Hogg signed off.

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