After two years of round robin Test cricket, two of the top Test teams are ready to battle it out in a one off match to crown the inaugural winner of the World Test Championship. India and New Zealand will be looking to lift the silverware after recent near misses in ICC tournaments.
Here is all you need to know about the historic event.
Will weather play a spoilsport?
Its England, its going to rain this time of the year, that is almost certain. What remains to be seen is how much time will be lost due to it. Early reports say that there is a possibility that the entire first day could be washed out due to rain. Although there is a reserve day in place in case that happens.
What will happen if the match is drawn?
India and New Zealand will end up as joint winners if the WTC final is a draw or a tie.
VENUE:
The Ageas Bowl in Southampton, England, has been chosen the venue for the World Test Championship final.
TIMING:
The Championship final will begin at 3 pm IST on Friday, 18th June. The toss for the game will take place at 2:30 pm IST.
LINE UPS:
The Men in Blue announced their playing XI a day before the game. They have gone in with a 5 bowler attack, balanced with 3 seamers and 2 spinners.
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah.
Kiwis have Kane Williamson fit to lead the team and will probably line up as Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel/ Kyle Jamieson Neil Wagner and Trent Boult.
HOW TO WATCH:
The WTC final will be aired live on Star Sports 1 and other sports channels of the same broadcaster. For online stream, the match will be available on Hotstar ( app and website).
