WORLD TEST CHAMPIONSHIP - FINAL

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WORLD TEST CHAMPIONSHIP - FINAL (18 June - 22 June)

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It all comes down to this, then. After a two-year competition, all that remain are five, or possibly six, days at the Hampshire Bowl to decide the inaugural World Test champions. India and New Zealand have proven to be the two best Test teams in the world since the start of the competition in 2019. But who will be crowned the best in a one-off, winner takes all final at a neutral venue?

The match is an important game for a number of reasons. Firstly, for the two teams involved, the chance to win an ICC trophy is a significant draw. New Zealand's heartbreak in the last two ODI World Cup finals is giving them added motivation to put that right in this match while Virat Kohli has been a champion of Test cricket as India's captain, driving his team to be respected as fierce competitors both at home and away. He desperately wants to win this competition to cement their standing.

But beyond the significance for both sets of players and management, the game is meaningful for the longer-term future of the WTC too. The competition was implemented to add greater context to Test cricket rather than relying on bilateral series to sustain and secure the future of the longest format of the game. While the structure and points system have had their critics, and there needs to be far more promotion of the competition in all Test nations, the aim of providing that additional context has largely been successful.

And yet, the WTC remains a nascent competition, its future still uncertain. A strong final, between two fine teams, can help to boost its credentials ahead of the next edition. In turn, that could be important for the future of the Test match format which, in many countries, desperately needs such a boost. Issues of cost, profitability, the rise of T20 cricket and the resulting scheduling clashes have all contributed to the marginalisation of Test cricket in recent years. The WTC is an attempt to halt that trend. If it is successful, the short-term prospects for the game's longest format look, if not rosy, at least a little better. There is a lot riding on this final.

It is fortunate, then, that the match will be contested by two high-class, evenly matched teams. Both India and New Zealand have quality fast-bowling attacks who should find English conditions, and the Dukes ball, to their liking. The batting line-ups are experienced and proven. The only area where one side has a clear edge is in the spin bowling department where R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja's pedigree for India is greater than Ajaz Patel's is for New Zealand. On the other hand, New Zealand may have the advantage in terms of preparation, having just played England in two Tests.

Evenly matched, then, but very different in style. These two teams play in the manner of their captains. India under Kohli play a more vibrant brand of cricket than their opponents, with aggressive players like Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant and the captain himself who like to move the game forward at pace when the opportunity arises.

New Zealand, like Kane Williamson, are more understated, with discipline, and control the core tenets of their game plan. Both methods have been hugely successful in the WTC over the past two years. It remains to be seen which one will come out on top in this blockbuster final.

When: Friday, June 18, 2021. 1030am BST, 3pm IST

Where: Hampshire Bowl, West End

What to expect: If the forecast is anything to go by, the dreaded English summer rain could well be a constant companion during this match. There is, however, a reserve day and the outlook is improving so there remains hope of getting enough play for a positive result. If the game is drawn, the title will be shared.

The Hampshire Bowl surface typically offers assistance to the quicker bowlers - in the three Tests there last year, frontline spinners took just six wickets between them - and is set to be the same again. However, before the current wet weather, England had enjoyed something of a heatwave so the pitch is likely to start off dry. That could bring the spinners into things later on.

Team News:

India

India announced their XI on the eve of the final. Although they like to play with a sixth batsman in overseas Tests, Ravindra Jadeja's batting evolution has meant he has pipped Hanuma Vihari to that spot, also providing a spinning option while at it. R Ashwin will play as the frontline spinner with India opting for a three-man pace attack.

Mohammed Siraj's impressive start to his Test career didn't have a bearing on India's pace combination as they welcome back Mohammed Shami, reuniting the Bumrah-Ishant-Shami axis for the first time since Wellington 2020.

Playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah

New Zealand

Barring any late injuries, New Zealand's top seven will pick itself. Colin de Grandhomme won the selection battle with Daryl Mitchell, who was left out of the 15-man squad, and will bat at seven as he did during the first Test against England at Lord's while Devon Conway's brilliant start to his Test career against England will see him open alongside Tom Latham.

The decision New Zealand have to make is whether to pick four quicks or three and the spin of Ajaz Patel. Arguably, their strongest combination would be the four-man battery of seam and swing, a strategy they have employed before in Tests. It is a tricky call.

Possible XI: Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner/Ajaz Patel, Trent Boult

What they said:

"It means a lot to me, you know playing just this one format. It's like playing a World Cup final in any other format. If we win, I think more young players will want to play Test cricket in India. Even across the world, Test cricket needs to survive and having this World Test Championship is a very good way to do it. Each and every series means a lot. Winning every Test gives you points. I think this should continue and I feel if India does well, many youngsters will want to play this format and would want to be part of the finals when the next cycle comes." - Cheteshwar Pujara, on the enormity of the occasion.

"I just think it's really exciting to be here. The whole New Zealand side are really excited, it's going to be a great occasion, playing against India. We've only been number one for a few weeks, they have been number one for five or six years so they are going to be a really hard opposition to play against. But we're looking forward to that." - Ross Taylor, on the challenge ahead of New Zealand.

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah

Squads:

India Squad: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Hanuma Vihari, Umesh Yadav, Wriddhiman Saha

New Zealand Squad: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling(w), Colin de Grandhomme, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Will Young, Tom Blundell