The first cycle of ICC’s World Test Championship is coming to an end. The winner will be decided in the course of the next five days, six if we’re counting the reserve day. The top two Test teams, New Zealand and India will lock horns in the biggest Test match of the year at the Ageas Rose Bowl in Southampton.
Team India announced its playing XI a day before the final, a tradition they’ve been following over the past couple of series. On the other hand, New Zealand is yet to decide on its playing XI, according to coach Gary Stead. He was of the opinion that the team will be decided once they’re able to get an analysis of the pitch on offer.
Update: Unfortunately there will be no play in the first session on Day 1 of the ICC World Test Championship final. #WTC21
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 18, 2021
Also Read:Â BCCI Gives Update On The Conditions In Southampton Ahead Of WTC Final
There was a small green tinge on the pitch – Gary Stead
The New Zealand coach explained that the squad has been observing the pitch and weren’t really sure how it would pan out on the day of the final. According to him, a bit of grass has been growing on the pitch for the last couple of days.
“There was a small green tinge on the pitch. It’s been interesting because we’ve been watching it over the last three days and it’s actually greened up over the last couple of days. They cut a bit of grass off it today but it’s still a light green color,” he said.
He also added that the team will be selected once he and Kane Williamson get a read on the amount of grass covering the pitch. In typical English conditions, seam and swing are usually favored and New Zealand will probably go in with its full pace quartet if that’s the case. However, a dusty pitch might bring in the spinners according to Stead.
“It’s amazing the number of Indian people that want to know [our team] as well. We’re just putting that on hold until tomorrow until we get down there. The greener the pitch, the more chance you’ll play pace bowlers. The browner the pitch or dusty the pitch is when you’re more likely to play spin bowlers or slower bowlers,” Stead said on Thursday.
