'The side will pose a unique set of challenges': Will Young wary of Jasprit Bumrah threat

Jasprit Bumrah

New Zealand batter Will Young believes India's bowling attack will become even more challenging with the return of Jasprit Bumrah for the upcoming two-match Test series, but has backed the Black Caps' own bowling unit to give the visitors an equally difficult examination.

With both teams eyeing a place in next year's World Test Championship (WTC) final, the series promises to be a significant contest in the race for the summit clash. The two-match series, beginning November 19, will be India's first red-ball assignment against New Zealand since suffering a shocking 3-0 whitewash at home in 2024.

Bumrah, who missed India's series-winning tour of Sri Lanka in August due to a knee injury, is set to return for the crucial contest, adding considerable strength to the Indian pace attack. Young acknowledged the threat posed by the Indian pace spearhead but insisted that New Zealand's bowlers have the ability to challenge India's batting line-up on home soil.

Will Young highlights Bumrah threat, backs New Zealand bowlers

Speaking to reporters on the eve of the ODI series decider on Saturday, Young said the previous Test series between the two sides was now in the past and that both teams would face a fresh set of challenges in the upcoming contest.

"I think that the Test series that we had in India a couple of years ago is long gone. We've got a brand-new challenge in front of us which is two massive Tests against India at home. It's at Wellington and Christchurch, two of the marquee Test venues in New Zealand I'd like to think. So it's going to be a completely different set of challenges," Young said.

The New Zealand batter described Bumrah as one of the best bowlers in world cricket and acknowledged that his presence would test the hosts. However, he was equally confident about his team's bowling resources and expected India's batters to face a stern examination.

"As you said, Bumrah coming into the side will pose a unique set of challenges with that as well. He's one of the best bowlers in the world. So we've got our work cut out for us, but I think we've got some brilliant bowlers too. So the Indian batsmen will have to adapt to what we bring to the Test series too. So as I said before, it's all set for a really interesting two-Test match series," he added.

India and New Zealand eye crucial WTC points

The upcoming series carries significant importance in the World Test Championship standings, with both teams firmly in contention for a place in the 2027 final at The Oval.

New Zealand, the inaugural WTC champions in 2021, are currently second in the standings behind table-toppers and defending champions South Africa. India, meanwhile, occupy fourth place as they look to return to the summit clash after finishing runners-up in the first two editions.