Who will be the leading run-scorer and wicket-taker at WTC Final? Ex-cricketers share predictions

Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami, Kane Williamson. Pictures/ AFP

The first-ever World Test Championship which will be played between India and New Zealand has garnered much attention from cricketers, past and present, alike. Virat Kohli's men will lock horns with Kane Williamson's Kiwis in a high-profile clash for the coveted trophy in Test cricket. Former cricketers Parthiv Patel, Ajit Agarkar, Irfan Pathan and Scott Styris gave their predictions as to who they think will be the leading run-scorer and the leading wicket taker in the Test. Mohammed Shami seems to be the hot favourite among them.

Speaking exclusively on Star Sports show Cricket Connected, former Team India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel backs Cheteshwar Pujara to be the highest run-scorer during the ICC World Test Championship Final, "I will back Cheteshwar Pujara to get the highest scorer title in this Test match. If India has to win, you have to keep Pujara for your No.3 - if India loses early wickets. If he goes on to bat for 3-4 hours in this Test match, I think India will be in a very good position. So, I am backing Pujara to be the highest run-scorer in this Test match."

Irfan Pathan, Scott Styris, Parthiv Patel and Ajit Agarkar share their predictions for the ICC World Test Championship Final.

Irfan Pathan: WTC Final, it's the biggest Test match ever. I think New Zealand will have a 55-45 advantage. I also think Kane Williamson will be the highest scorer. And, in terms of highest wicket-taker - it will be between Trent Boult and Mohammad Shami.

Scott Styris: I think New Zealand will win and they will win by 6 wickets. I think Devon Conway is going to be the highest run-scorer and Trent Boult will get the most wickets.

Parthiv Patel: I will put cricketing logic aside and I will back India to win this Test match. I think Mohammad Shami holds the key to the Indian bowling attack. Yes, Bumrah and Ishant Sharma have been bowling and preparing well, but I think Mohammad Shami is key. The way he has been bowling in England and he has done really well in all conditions.

Ajit Agarkar: It's a difficult one to pick - who is going to win it. I think New Zealand might just start favourites in this one. For the leading run-getter, I will go with Virat Kohli. I think he showed us what he could do in England - the second time he toured - even under difficult conditions and he'd want to be the man to stand up for India. I think Mohammad Shami will be the highest wicket-taker. I think Bumrah's rise has been rapid, but to me, Mohammad Shami has been India's number one bowler, certainly in Test cricket and the conditions don't matter to him.

Also Read: WTC Final: Virat Kohli and Co had better watch out for these Kiwis

Catch all the action from the ICC World Test Championship Final LIVE & Exclusive on the Star Sports Network & Disney+ Hotstar VIP from June 18-22nd, 2021, 2.00 PM onwards