WTC Final: India Eye Greatest Title In Cricket

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India have announced their playing XI for the inaugural World Test Championship final against New Zealand beginning here on Friday on expected lines. The team will comprise five specialist batsmen, wicketkeeper Rishab Pant at number six, followed by two spin bowling all-rounders and three fast bowlers.

The line-up covers, as captain Virat Kohli put it in a press conference minutes before the announcement, "all bases". It takes into account the contingencies such as the metamorphosis of the wicket over five days and the fickle English weather. India enjoy an edge over opponents New Zealand in the batting department.

India enjoy an edge with the willow. Captain Virat Kohli had conclusively proved himself against deviation in the air and off the wicket three summers back, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane have scored runs over the last two tours, while Rohit Sharma was the batting star of the World Cup two years ago, albeit against the batsman-friendly white ball.

The red Duke, with its pronounced seam, will change its course much more, especially if there's grass on the strip. And then there's the explosive Rishab Pant with an exceptional eye and left-hand variety.

Three quicker bowlers in a line-up is a non-brainer in England. Generally, experience best combats pressure. So, Mohammed Shami hitting the seam, Ishant Sharma producing his in-swing and Jasprit Bumrah generating his velocity and unorthodoxy have got the nod. They need to make the new ball talk though, for reverse swing in England's lush environment is not a bankable factor.

Ravichandran Ashwin had testified two years ago that he is capable of beating the batsmen in the air. Ravindra Jadeja, who will turn it the other way and be economical, is a genuine all-rounder and a match-winning fielder.

Although county matches at the Rose Bowl this season have unsurprisingly been unhelpful to slow bowlers, if there's a chink in the New Zealand batting, it's against spin. Moreover, the wicket will turn at some point, as it has lately experienced a heatwave.

Since the maiden Test match between the inventors of the game, England and Australia, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1877, there have been in phases undisputed champions in the format, but never has any team been officially crowned.

Now, a two-year league has culminated in a knockout final between India and New Zealand, who emerged with the highest points.

Therefore, the World Test Championship final from Friday at the Ageas Bowl in the Hampshire countryside near England's southern coast is arguably the most significant cricket contest in history - for it will at long last throw up the unquestionable champion at the highest and most testing level of the sport.

Given the high stakes, India have rather gambled with a preparation consisting of net practice and intra-squad mock matches; as opposed to opponents New Zealand being pristinely tuned up following their victory in the two-Test series against England.

The Kiwis today constitute the most complete line-up in their history. Indeed, they are endowed with their best ever swing bowling combination, which is ideal for English conditions in June, and a world-class batsman in skipper Kane Williamson.

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