World Test C’ship final: Rohit Sharma will struggle if the ball is moving around, says Scott Styris

Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris feels India opener Rohit Sharma might find it difficult to negotiate the swinging ball during the World Test Championship final against the Kiwis, beginning in Southampton on June 18.

Head groundsman at Southampton, Simon Lee has made it clear that they are aiming to produce a fast and bouncy pitch

“It is pitch dependent… I think I can’t stress that enough. I think if the ball is moving around then Rohit will have his struggles…,” Styris said during Star Sports’ show ‘Game Plan’.

“Rohit doesn’t really moves his feet a lot early in his innings. If that’s the case, then the swinging ball could be a problem for him.”

Styris also highlighted New Zealand’s pace attack and singled out Neil Wagner’s role in the mix.

“There is no secret to New Zealand’s fast bowling plan if you like and that is Southee, Boult and either Jamieson or de Grandhomme will be the third seamer and they bowled till about the 22nd to 28th over with a new ball,” he said.

“And then Neil Wagner comes into the equation. So, when you talk about Wagner, it’s his ability to be aggressive and be a genuine wicket-taking option for somebody like (Virat) Kohli in those middle overs till the new…

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