That Lord's pitch was a proper green mamba. I don't think ICC will go that way. You always bat first if the pitch isn't green.
Also, Ashwin-Jadeja will be more effective later on in the match.
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WTC Final | India v New Zealand | Southampton | 18-22 June, 2021 | Pre-match thread
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That Lord's pitch was a proper green mamba. I don't think ICC will go that way. You always bat first if the pitch isn't green.
Also, Ashwin-Jadeja will be more effective later on in the match.
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Playing fearless cricket is top of the agenda for Ajinkya Rahane as he urged India’s batsmen to express themselves against New Zealand in the ICC World Test Championship Final.
The 33-year-old right-hander has been India’s highest run-scorer in the inaugural WTC, scoring 1,095 runs at 43.80 during the cycle and notching three centuries and six half-centuries.
But he will need to be at his very best in Southampton against New Zealand’s greatest WTC wicket-taker in the form of Tim Southee in one of the most hotly-anticipated battles.
And while a place in cricketing history is up for grabs for the victorious team in Southampton, Rahane insists India’s focus is only on playing their natural game rather than the high stakes.
“We just want to take this as just another game, play it as just another game. What is important for us is to start well, we know New Zealand are a very good team,” said Rahane.
“We don’t want to take them lightly and as a team, we have been doing so well and we just want to continue what we’ve been doing over the last two years, play one day, one session at a time.
“Our planning, our strategies will be completely different from when we last played against England here in Southampton [in 2018], the plan was different that time.
“We just want to take this as just another game. We don’t want to put ourselves under pressure especially playing a Test match after a long time now.
“I think what is important in this Test match is playing with freedom, playing fearless cricket as a team and backing each other. That will really help us rather than thinking about the result.
“As long as we’re backing ourselves and following our processes and playing our natural game as an individual and as a team, that will matter a lot.”
India’s last Test in Southampton ended in a 60-run defeat to England in 2018 but while Rahane hopes his experience at the venue comes in handy, he is only worried about the present.
“I have played at this venue many times now, I’ve played for Hampshire also here, so I do know the conditions well, but what is important is to be in the moment, be in the present,” he added.
“I just adjust to the conditions on that particular day so being the highest run-scorer doesn’t matter for me now, like I said whatever happened was in the past.”
The last time the two sides met in the five-day format, hosts New Zealand defeated India in back-to-back Tests as part of the current WTC cycle at the beginning of 2020.
Southee praises Indian batting line-up: Southee proved a menace in both games and comes into the final showdown with 51 wickets at 20.66 in the WTC, with three five-wicket hauls and a six-for against England last time out.
But despite the veteran Kiwi pacer being in superb form, he acknowledged that the New Zealand bowling attack will have little room for error against India’s dynamic batting line-up.
“It’s an exciting batting line-up, the mix of experienced guys and a couple of young guys who have come in and played with that freedom and that excitement that they have,” he said.
“Rohit Sharma’s a tremendous player in all three formats and personally a guy I like watching bat, his style and the way he can take a game away from the opposition is great to watch.
“But I know as a bowling group that it’s a dangerous line-up throughout, Rohit is only one of many very good batters in this Indian batting line-up that we have to be on top of our game against.”
On India’s skipper, he added: “As a player, you like to test yourself against the best and Virat [Kohli] is one of the best to play the game, definitely one of the modern-day greats but it’s not only him.
“We know there are so many dangerous players in this Indian batting line-up so we’re going to have to be on top of our game as a bowling unit and we know how dangerous they can be.”
The 33-year-old right-hander has been India’s highest run-scorer in the inaugural WTC, scoring 1,095 runs at 43.80 during the cycle and notching three centuries and six half-centuries.
But he will need to be at his very best in Southampton against New Zealand’s greatest WTC wicket-taker in the form of Tim Southee in one of the most hotly-anticipated battles.
And while a place in cricketing history is up for grabs for the victorious team in Southampton, Rahane insists India’s focus is only on playing their natural game rather than the high stakes.
“We just want to take this as just another game, play it as just another game. What is important for us is to start well, we know New Zealand are a very good team,” said Rahane.
“We don’t want to take them lightly and as a team, we have been doing so well and we just want to continue what we’ve been doing over the last two years, play one day, one session at a time.
“Our planning, our strategies will be completely different from when we last played against England here in Southampton [in 2018], the plan was different that time.
“We just want to take this as just another game. We don’t want to put ourselves under pressure especially playing a Test match after a long time now.
“I think what is important in this Test match is playing with freedom, playing fearless cricket as a team and backing each other. That will really help us rather than thinking about the result.
“As long as we’re backing ourselves and following our processes and playing our natural game as an individual and as a team, that will matter a lot.”
India’s last Test in Southampton ended in a 60-run defeat to England in 2018 but while Rahane hopes his experience at the venue comes in handy, he is only worried about the present.
“I have played at this venue many times now, I’ve played for Hampshire also here, so I do know the conditions well, but what is important is to be in the moment, be in the present,” he added.
“I just adjust to the conditions on that particular day so being the highest run-scorer doesn’t matter for me now, like I said whatever happened was in the past.”
The last time the two sides met in the five-day format, hosts New Zealand defeated India in back-to-back Tests as part of the current WTC cycle at the beginning of 2020.
Southee praises Indian batting line-up: Southee proved a menace in both games and comes into the final showdown with 51 wickets at 20.66 in the WTC, with three five-wicket hauls and a six-for against England last time out.
But despite the veteran Kiwi pacer being in superb form, he acknowledged that the New Zealand bowling attack will have little room for error against India’s dynamic batting line-up.
“It’s an exciting batting line-up, the mix of experienced guys and a couple of young guys who have come in and played with that freedom and that excitement that they have,” he said.
“Rohit Sharma’s a tremendous player in all three formats and personally a guy I like watching bat, his style and the way he can take a game away from the opposition is great to watch.
“But I know as a bowling group that it’s a dangerous line-up throughout, Rohit is only one of many very good batters in this Indian batting line-up that we have to be on top of our game against.”
On India’s skipper, he added: “As a player, you like to test yourself against the best and Virat [Kohli] is one of the best to play the game, definitely one of the modern-day greats but it’s not only him.
“We know there are so many dangerous players in this Indian batting line-up so we’re going to have to be on top of our game as a bowling unit and we know how dangerous they can be.”
Varun
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Mesozoic
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Hope to God this turns out fake.
Shami in overcast English conditions is a huge waste of space. Will be a blunder if captains clueless picks him ahead of Siraj, who's in great form and also tailor made for the conditions at hand.
LOL This guy
If only the actual Kiwi's were as patriotic to NZ like Pakistanis like you were to NZ (Oh wait I forgot, the opponent is India).
I sense a bit of nervousness in your post, you feel India is going to win I sense.
Do not worry, have some faith, I honestly do feel NZ should escape with a win if they get a full test match..
Whats untrue about my post? I know its a big deal for India to beat NZ as they always end up beating them so you being an Indian fan probably always thought NZ is much bigger than it actually is.
street cricketer
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Excitement is at fever pitch right now.
Can't wait for tomorrow to spend the day watching covers being brought on and off the field and umpires inspecting the field every second hour. Bring it on!
Can't wait for tomorrow to spend the day watching covers being brought on and off the field and umpires inspecting the field every second hour. Bring it on!
Devadwal
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When we will see first picture of pitch ? General a day before test matches but still no sign anywhere .im egerly waiting for pitch condition
Romali_rotti
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Like I Said on my previous post
Have some faith in NZ, I reckon they will pull this win off
SangasCoverDrive
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There is a good chance it's gonna be a washout. Sad bc we had pretty good weather here.
street cricketer
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I did search for pictures of the pitch on twitter and found nothing. They're keeping it a top secret.
Devadwal
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Really feeling sad knowing weather for WTC Final
OMB
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India Predicted XI for WTC final vs NZ: Toss up between Ravindra Jadeja, 4th seamer biggest headache for Kohli, Shastri
India vs New Zealand: The biggest question heading into the World Test Championship final is India's bowling combination – will there be a fourth seamer? And if so, will Ravindra Jadeja miss out?
After two years of rigorous Test cricket around the world, we have come to this – the final of the inaugural World Test Championship at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton – which will feature India and New Zealand, with the winner determining the World Champions of Test cricket. New Zealand would be high on confidence having beaten England last week for a Test series win, but India aren't far behind either.
They may not have gained match practice like their opponents, but with the brand of cricket they played in Australia and later against England at home, they don't need to look beyond those two Test series for motivation. Virat Kohli is seeking his maiden ICC trophy, while India are looking for a win that finally breaks their Kiwi jinx in ICC events. With a strong team at their disposal, India are spoilt for choice. The biggest question heading into the match is the bowling combination – will there be a fourth seamer? And if so, will Ravindra Jadeja miss out? Here is our take on the team combination Kohli is likely to go ahead with on Friday.
1 Rohit Sharma: With India announcing their 15-member squad for the first Test, it was confirmed that Rohit Sharma will indeed be one of the two openers. Rohit doesn't have much experience playing Test cricket in England – he has played only one Test which dates back to 2014 – but the kind of form he is in ever since his promotion as a Test opener and the sort of damage he can inflict – one match or 10 matches, it doesn't matter. Rohit will be key to India's chances at the top against the swinging Dukes ball.
2 Shubman Gill: The young Shubman Gill will be coming into the WTC final on the back of a low-key IPL and Test series against England. Having said that, the 21-year-old would have the confidence of the high of Australia series, where he surprised one and all with his positive approach. Gill has shown he has got tremendous temperament and technique has never been an issue with him. He would be hoping to partner Rohit well and provide India a solid start.
3 Cheteshwar Pujara: India's No. 3, Cheteshwar Pujara is once again expected to be India's rock in the middle order. While all the talk surrounding him has been about his strike-rate, Pujara has received solid backing from the great Sachin Tendulkar. He needn't do anything different than what he did in Australia – ensuring that wickets do not fall and slowly converting starts into match-altering partnerships.
4 Virat Kohli (Captain): The King, Virat Kohli will bat at No. 4 for India and chasing his maiden ICC trophy as captain. Kohli will once again be a pillar around which the Indian batting will revolve, but his biggest challenge will be to get into the groove right away having not had any match practice in over a month. With the WTC trophy on the line, there are no second chances and the stage is set for Kohli to once again show just why he's the best.
5 Ajinkya Rahane: Having led India heroically to a Test series win in Australia, Rahane was once again short of runs in the Test series against England. Along with Pujara and Kohli, Rahane forms the Big 3 of India's batting and a lot will depend on how he bats. With a solid technique, Rahane is your ideal batsman for England and India would be hoping the vice-captain brings out his best against a threatening Kiwi bowling attack.
6 Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper): Almost three years after he made his Test debut, Rishabh Pant returns to England. Only this time, with the reputation of being a game-changer of India. The kind of improvement Pant has shown since the Australia series is next to none and the young 23-year-old wicketkeeper batsman is expected to 'take New Zealand on' with his dynamic stroke-play. Imagine Pant playing one of his reverse paddle scoops to Trent Boult. Oh, that'll be a sight to behold.
7 Ravindra Jadeja: India's X-factor, the MVP. Call him whatever you like, but the fact remains that Ravindra Jadeja is too good a player to miss out. He gives the Indian batting depth and who can rule out his bullet direct hits from the deep? With India pondering a fourth seam-bowling option, Jadeja can miss the cut. But with the kind of form Jadeja is in, it would be quite a blunder for India to leave out the star all-rounder.
8 R Ashwin: India's premier spinner R Ashwin will be Kohli's go-to man. As he showed in Australia, Ashwin is no longer just a home bully. His astute variations, scheming tactics and a tremendous record against left-handers given him a huge advantage. With as many as six left-handed batsmen in the New Zealand line-up, they better come up with a plan for Ashwin, else it's going to be a herculean task for the Kiwis to see off the off-spinner.
9 Mohammed Shami: Swing, pace and bounce, that’s what Mohammed Shami is all about. The India pacer will not have it easy since he is returning to Test cricket after a layoff following the fractured forearm he sustained last year. But if his form in the IPL is anything to go by, Shami is expected to rough up the New Zealand batsmen. He is fit, generating pace and looks in the best shape of his life. Expect him to open the bowling.
10 Mohammed Siraj: With reports stating that India are trying their best to slot Mohammed Siraj in, it is likely that Ishant Sharma would miss out. The veteran of 100 Tests may unfortunately have to pave way for his junior pro, quite simply because Siraj has impressed immensely in the opportunities he has gotten so far. He showed tremendous resilience in Australia in the absence of Ishant, Bumrah and Mohammed Shami and led the Indian attack and was rewarded with a five-wicket-haul at the Gabba. Siraj's knack of swinging the new ball makes him a strong contender to start in the XI.
11 Jasprit Bumrah: The last time Bumrah played Test matches in England, he made a mark. And with the WTC crown up for grabs, the 25-year-old quick will be key to India's chances with the ball. He is likely to come in first change, and of all three pacers, all eyes would be on Bumrah to lead the charge and bring home India's maiden WTC title.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/india-predicted-xi-for-wtc-final-vs-new-zealand-toss-up-between-ravindra-jadeja-fourth-seamer-biggest-headache-for-virat-kohli-and-ravi-shastri-101623915049551.html
India vs New Zealand: The biggest question heading into the World Test Championship final is India's bowling combination – will there be a fourth seamer? And if so, will Ravindra Jadeja miss out?
After two years of rigorous Test cricket around the world, we have come to this – the final of the inaugural World Test Championship at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton – which will feature India and New Zealand, with the winner determining the World Champions of Test cricket. New Zealand would be high on confidence having beaten England last week for a Test series win, but India aren't far behind either.
They may not have gained match practice like their opponents, but with the brand of cricket they played in Australia and later against England at home, they don't need to look beyond those two Test series for motivation. Virat Kohli is seeking his maiden ICC trophy, while India are looking for a win that finally breaks their Kiwi jinx in ICC events. With a strong team at their disposal, India are spoilt for choice. The biggest question heading into the match is the bowling combination – will there be a fourth seamer? And if so, will Ravindra Jadeja miss out? Here is our take on the team combination Kohli is likely to go ahead with on Friday.
1 Rohit Sharma: With India announcing their 15-member squad for the first Test, it was confirmed that Rohit Sharma will indeed be one of the two openers. Rohit doesn't have much experience playing Test cricket in England – he has played only one Test which dates back to 2014 – but the kind of form he is in ever since his promotion as a Test opener and the sort of damage he can inflict – one match or 10 matches, it doesn't matter. Rohit will be key to India's chances at the top against the swinging Dukes ball.
2 Shubman Gill: The young Shubman Gill will be coming into the WTC final on the back of a low-key IPL and Test series against England. Having said that, the 21-year-old would have the confidence of the high of Australia series, where he surprised one and all with his positive approach. Gill has shown he has got tremendous temperament and technique has never been an issue with him. He would be hoping to partner Rohit well and provide India a solid start.
3 Cheteshwar Pujara: India's No. 3, Cheteshwar Pujara is once again expected to be India's rock in the middle order. While all the talk surrounding him has been about his strike-rate, Pujara has received solid backing from the great Sachin Tendulkar. He needn't do anything different than what he did in Australia – ensuring that wickets do not fall and slowly converting starts into match-altering partnerships.
4 Virat Kohli (Captain): The King, Virat Kohli will bat at No. 4 for India and chasing his maiden ICC trophy as captain. Kohli will once again be a pillar around which the Indian batting will revolve, but his biggest challenge will be to get into the groove right away having not had any match practice in over a month. With the WTC trophy on the line, there are no second chances and the stage is set for Kohli to once again show just why he's the best.
5 Ajinkya Rahane: Having led India heroically to a Test series win in Australia, Rahane was once again short of runs in the Test series against England. Along with Pujara and Kohli, Rahane forms the Big 3 of India's batting and a lot will depend on how he bats. With a solid technique, Rahane is your ideal batsman for England and India would be hoping the vice-captain brings out his best against a threatening Kiwi bowling attack.
6 Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper): Almost three years after he made his Test debut, Rishabh Pant returns to England. Only this time, with the reputation of being a game-changer of India. The kind of improvement Pant has shown since the Australia series is next to none and the young 23-year-old wicketkeeper batsman is expected to 'take New Zealand on' with his dynamic stroke-play. Imagine Pant playing one of his reverse paddle scoops to Trent Boult. Oh, that'll be a sight to behold.
7 Ravindra Jadeja: India's X-factor, the MVP. Call him whatever you like, but the fact remains that Ravindra Jadeja is too good a player to miss out. He gives the Indian batting depth and who can rule out his bullet direct hits from the deep? With India pondering a fourth seam-bowling option, Jadeja can miss the cut. But with the kind of form Jadeja is in, it would be quite a blunder for India to leave out the star all-rounder.
8 R Ashwin: India's premier spinner R Ashwin will be Kohli's go-to man. As he showed in Australia, Ashwin is no longer just a home bully. His astute variations, scheming tactics and a tremendous record against left-handers given him a huge advantage. With as many as six left-handed batsmen in the New Zealand line-up, they better come up with a plan for Ashwin, else it's going to be a herculean task for the Kiwis to see off the off-spinner.
9 Mohammed Shami: Swing, pace and bounce, that’s what Mohammed Shami is all about. The India pacer will not have it easy since he is returning to Test cricket after a layoff following the fractured forearm he sustained last year. But if his form in the IPL is anything to go by, Shami is expected to rough up the New Zealand batsmen. He is fit, generating pace and looks in the best shape of his life. Expect him to open the bowling.
10 Mohammed Siraj: With reports stating that India are trying their best to slot Mohammed Siraj in, it is likely that Ishant Sharma would miss out. The veteran of 100 Tests may unfortunately have to pave way for his junior pro, quite simply because Siraj has impressed immensely in the opportunities he has gotten so far. He showed tremendous resilience in Australia in the absence of Ishant, Bumrah and Mohammed Shami and led the Indian attack and was rewarded with a five-wicket-haul at the Gabba. Siraj's knack of swinging the new ball makes him a strong contender to start in the XI.
11 Jasprit Bumrah: The last time Bumrah played Test matches in England, he made a mark. And with the WTC crown up for grabs, the 25-year-old quick will be key to India's chances with the ball. He is likely to come in first change, and of all three pacers, all eyes would be on Bumrah to lead the charge and bring home India's maiden WTC title.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/india-predicted-xi-for-wtc-final-vs-new-zealand-toss-up-between-ravindra-jadeja-fourth-seamer-biggest-headache-for-virat-kohli-and-ravi-shastri-101623915049551.html
Devadwal
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Here is First look of Southampton pitch for WTC final
It will get shaved either today or tomorrow morning
It will get shaved either today or tomorrow morning
JattMaula
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Looks a typical English wicket.
street cricketer
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Boys need to start planning for that English holiday before the test series with England starts.
jiduguravindra
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Better than not playing final.
Ab Fan
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Jadeja must play. It should be a toss up between Ashwin and fourth pacer in case they want to go with four pace bowling options.
jiduguravindra
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Three pacer should be enough i think, even if the ball didn't spin much ashwin will bring his variations into play.
So nothing was wrong about my post, Don't get triggered unnecessarily next time. There is no need to be so insecure, NZ as a nation are doing really well in all sports unlike some other bigger nations accept the reality.
Back to the match I am neither NZ nor India fan but its going to be a good game if the weather stays away.
Yes it's so fun getting humiliated in the final.LOL.That's why they keep getting humiliated in every ICC tournament and this won't be any different for sure.
Mesozoic
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You remind me of the bhangra brigade that went on and on about a "4-0 humiliation" after the 36/9 in Australia.
Though it was hilarious when they ended up getting ditch slapped in their faces after Gabba.
Romali_rotti
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There is no need to be insecure, NZ should win, you need to just calm down.
If NZ does lose, don't let your Pakistani heart go into weeping mode, just congratulate the team that played better.
You will be fine, just enjoy the game.
Devadwal
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Indian team will announce the team for the WTC final after press conference.just in few minutes we will know
street cricketer
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Devadwal
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This is a good X1 I would have played the same.
Mesozoic
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Shami 
Drop a guy, who's arguably your most in-form seamer for another that hasn't played a test in 7 months that too in a final.
Feel for Siraj.
Drop a guy, who's arguably your most in-form seamer for another that hasn't played a test in 7 months that too in a final.
Feel for Siraj.
street cricketer
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I was very excited for Siraj too, but I think it would've been very harsh to drop Shami after all he has done and his stats in the WTC are exemplary too.
Have no doubt Siraj is going to be the star of the England series. Ishant and Siraj will be our best bowlers.
Have no doubt Siraj is going to be the star of the England series. Ishant and Siraj will be our best bowlers.
AamchiMumbaikar
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Have NZ announced their playing XI ?
JattMaula
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Shami has always go ven his 101% for the team. Always. Even when injured. Risking his career in 15 WC for the team. He deserves a chance at glory. Has more than earned it.
I expect him to be a relentless machine in this match.
Saurav
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Shami is fine.Would have been bold to drop him.Very tough decision.Siraj will get his chances in England series for sure
Apparently rained heavily in Southampton today
Apparently rained heavily in Southampton today
King_Kohli
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Disappointed.
I expected Siraj in final XI.
I expected Siraj in final XI.
King_Kohli
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Not yet.
Ab Fan
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Is this officially confirmed?
jeeteshssaxena
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Harsh to see people criticising Shami's selection, this guy has been the pillar of our pace attack for last 5 years and he deserves a shot at glory.
Ab Fan
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Feel for Siraj.
Nevertheless, good team. The trio of Bumrah, Shami and Ishant has been an integral part of our pace attack for quite some time now and deserved to have a go in finals.
Nevertheless, good team. The trio of Bumrah, Shami and Ishant has been an integral part of our pace attack for quite some time now and deserved to have a go in finals.
Saurav
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yes
Thanos
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God!!
Just saw a pic of Kohli and Kane with trophy.
Williamson had black shoes on white test kit.
Reminded me of Sachin wearing black shoes in 2011 WC final and Rahane in Gabba 2021. (during victory lap).
We are going to lose final.
Just saw a pic of Kohli and Kane with trophy.
Williamson had black shoes on white test kit.
Reminded me of Sachin wearing black shoes in 2011 WC final and Rahane in Gabba 2021. (during victory lap).
We are going to lose final.
Last edited:
Kane Williamson wants New Zealand to use the biggest stage to show the world just how far they’ve come as he prepares to lead his side into the first-ever ICC World Test Championship Final.
The Black Caps were eighth in the ICC Test rankings as recently as 2013 but have been on the rise ever since and victory over England earlier this month ensured they head into the WTC Final against India as the world’s number one team in the five-day format.
Since the inaugural WTC began in 2019, New Zealand have got better with every passing series and Williamson is excited for his team to bring their best for what he believes will be an ‘incredible’ occasion at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.
“There's been a lot of growth over a period of time with so many challenges along the way every day but the team has bought into it and tried to move past those with a good attitude,” explained the Black Caps captain.
“There is a lot of hard work done over a long period of time to find ourselves here in the first final (of the WTC).
“It's exciting but for us it's just focusing on continuing that growth and trying to keep committing to the parts of our game that give us the best chance and that's where I know the guys will be focusing on.
"We're playing the best team in the world. It's a really exciting occasion. It's incredible.
“You have both teams coming to a neutral venue – it's unique, an exciting occasion that both teams are looking forward to starting.
"It's a one-off and in cricket, anything can happen. It will be widely followed and fans from more than just New Zealand and India are excited to watch it unfold. We're just fortunate to be involved in it."
Williamson was forced to sit out of the second Test against England due to an injured elbow but says he is ready to play in the WTC final, while also having a fully-fit playing group to choose from.
“Everybody is fit in the squad, which is a good thing. My elbow has improved, with the help of an injection a few days back, which has been nice,” he added.
“I’m still managing it but all in all, it’s certainly showing signs of improvement, which is good.”
Having just finished a Test series against England, New Zealand will be used to the pitch and weather conditions that the WTC Final will be played in.
But India have a bowling attack more than capable of taking 20 wickets anywhere in the world, with the quintet of Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja among the best on the planet.
And skipper Virat Kohli is expecting a high-quality Test match between the top two sides in the rankings, although he took issue with New Zealand being framed as ‘the nice guys’ of world cricket.
"I really don't understand this term that was just used – I don't think any other team has 'bad guys' in their team," said Kohli.
"We get along very well off the field but when you step across the line, it's business at the end of the day and you need to deal with it accordingly.
“It's pretty serious stuff out there, it's not something that is fun and games and played in a very low voltage environment.
"This is a huge game, a huge Test match and we are certainly looking forward to the opportunity that we have been waiting for a few years now.
“In Test cricket we have performed well and deserve to be on that field playing the brand of cricket we’ve played in the past few years.
“For us as a team, we have been on a quest for excellence for a while now and we will continue to be on that path regardless of what happens in this game.”
The Black Caps were eighth in the ICC Test rankings as recently as 2013 but have been on the rise ever since and victory over England earlier this month ensured they head into the WTC Final against India as the world’s number one team in the five-day format.
Since the inaugural WTC began in 2019, New Zealand have got better with every passing series and Williamson is excited for his team to bring their best for what he believes will be an ‘incredible’ occasion at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.
“There's been a lot of growth over a period of time with so many challenges along the way every day but the team has bought into it and tried to move past those with a good attitude,” explained the Black Caps captain.
“There is a lot of hard work done over a long period of time to find ourselves here in the first final (of the WTC).
“It's exciting but for us it's just focusing on continuing that growth and trying to keep committing to the parts of our game that give us the best chance and that's where I know the guys will be focusing on.
"We're playing the best team in the world. It's a really exciting occasion. It's incredible.
“You have both teams coming to a neutral venue – it's unique, an exciting occasion that both teams are looking forward to starting.
"It's a one-off and in cricket, anything can happen. It will be widely followed and fans from more than just New Zealand and India are excited to watch it unfold. We're just fortunate to be involved in it."
Williamson was forced to sit out of the second Test against England due to an injured elbow but says he is ready to play in the WTC final, while also having a fully-fit playing group to choose from.
“Everybody is fit in the squad, which is a good thing. My elbow has improved, with the help of an injection a few days back, which has been nice,” he added.
“I’m still managing it but all in all, it’s certainly showing signs of improvement, which is good.”
Having just finished a Test series against England, New Zealand will be used to the pitch and weather conditions that the WTC Final will be played in.
But India have a bowling attack more than capable of taking 20 wickets anywhere in the world, with the quintet of Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja among the best on the planet.
And skipper Virat Kohli is expecting a high-quality Test match between the top two sides in the rankings, although he took issue with New Zealand being framed as ‘the nice guys’ of world cricket.
"I really don't understand this term that was just used – I don't think any other team has 'bad guys' in their team," said Kohli.
"We get along very well off the field but when you step across the line, it's business at the end of the day and you need to deal with it accordingly.
“It's pretty serious stuff out there, it's not something that is fun and games and played in a very low voltage environment.
"This is a huge game, a huge Test match and we are certainly looking forward to the opportunity that we have been waiting for a few years now.
“In Test cricket we have performed well and deserve to be on that field playing the brand of cricket we’ve played in the past few years.
“For us as a team, we have been on a quest for excellence for a while now and we will continue to be on that path regardless of what happens in this game.”
drubwrubnat
Tape Ball Regular
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Virat nice guys finish last. Although I think you know this.
But anyway, dont be touchy & insecure - good luck lets see
andy0204
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Two spinners on a cloudy rainy weather
Looks like we haven't learnt a lesson from Lords 2018.
Looks like we haven't learnt a lesson from Lords 2018.
KingKhanWC
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With the weather around , the ball will swing well. Boult and Southee may be leathal but Indian bowlers should get help.
I think both of these teams will be happy with a draw & sharing the trophy. Makes a mockery of any world championship but will keep the BCCI happy.
I think both of these teams will be happy with a draw & sharing the trophy. Makes a mockery of any world championship but will keep the BCCI happy.
dildilpak
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Rain predicted all 5 days - dont think we will see a match. Stupid of ICC to schedule a match in England in June.
Devadwal
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Only day 1 is likely washout but other 5 day( including reserve day ) weather is fine .just checked BBC & MET office weather forecast .
Devadwal
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Icc should have increase 1 more reserve day if they want to success WTC
dildilpak
Local Club Captain
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My bad- Weather Channel here in US is showing rain for all 5 days in Southampton.
Devadwal
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Ab Fan
Senior Test Player
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Day 3 also not good as per MET office weather forecast. If we have 4 days of play, I guess that might be enough for a result.
Devadwal
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Day 3 rain forecast ( only 40%) up to 10 AM ( Local time) ,match start at 10:30 local time .
Devadwal
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Today gonna be washout .
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Ahmed216
Test Debutant
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Bhuvaneshwar and siraj are more suited to english conditions
Ahmed216
Test Debutant
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What a pity! I havent waited so eagerly for a non-pak game in a long long time
OMB
First Class Captain
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Virat Kohli (to Star Sports): We are so delighted that we are in the final, we feel we have earned our place and belong where we are. We are happy some spectators are going to watch, which is justice for something of this magnitude, because a big final without spectators would have been anticlimactic. It's not the final frontier, it's just another feather to add to our hat that we have created as a Test team. It's a culmination of the toil over the last 4-5 years. We have identified these players, and condensed it down, and for me as a captain and for us as a team, it's not just good cricket over 6 months, but over the last 5 years. This is just a game that has a bit more value added to it, but every Test has had the same value over the last few years which is why we're ranked highly. Test cricket tests your grit and your resolve. You have to wake up and have belief and determination to turn up and turn things around every day of the Test, how to come back from a tough situation and hang in there. It's a metaphor for life.
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