World Test Championship: Virat Kohli Says Conditions For Final "As Potent For Us As New Zealand"

Virat Kohli said Team India will board the flight to the UK on Thursday thinking "we are on equal terms" with New Zealand, as far as the conditions for World Test Championship final are concerned.

Virat Kohli on Wednesday said India and New Zealand "are on equal terms" so far as the conditions in Southampton for the World Test Championship (WTC) final are concerned. The teams will play the final from June 18 at the Hampshire Bowl and India will depart for their tour of the UK, which also includes a five-Test series against England starting on August 4, on Thursday. "The conditions (in England) are as potent for us as New Zealand. We are going to board the flight thinking that we're on equal terms. Whoever plays better Test cricket will come out on top," said Kohli at a pre-departure virtual press conference.  New Zealand are already in England, playing a two-Test series against the hosts that began with the first Test at Lord's on Wednesday. They are scheduled to finish their second Test at Edgbaston on June 14, a mere four days ahead of the WTC final.  However, Kohli said New Zealand did not hold an advantage over the Indians even after having had recent game time in England just before the final.  "It's not the first time we are playing in England. (With) the hunger and desire to be there... We have no problems with having just four practice sessions going into the final," said Kohli.