Team India have confirmed their playing XI for the elusive ICC World Test Championship final against New Zealand at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, which starts from June 18 (Friday).
As expected, India have gone in with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill at the top followed by the ever-reliant Cheteshwar Pujara at the No.3 spot. Skipper Virat Kohli will bat at his usual position followed by vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane and young wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant, who has been in outstanding form off-late.
There were speculations that India might drop Ravindra Jadeja to accommodate a pure batsman in Hanuma Vihari but the management has shown trust in their spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Jadeja. They have done exceptionally well in the last couple of years in this format and will come in handy in the WTC final.
Meanwhile, Ishant Sharma will pair with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami to lead the pace attack. A couple of reports suggested that Mohammed Siraj might sneak in, but the management has shown trust in the experience of Ishant.
Team India playing XI for WTC final:
Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma
🚨 NEWS 🚨
Here's #TeamIndia's Playing XI for the #WTC21 Final 💪 👇 pic.twitter.com/DiOBAzf88h
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 17, 2021
First look of the Southampton wicket for WTC final revealed
Isa Guha gave fans a sneak peek into the surface for the WTC final clash, with the pitch sporting a green covering. The cricketer-turned-commentator uploaded a picture of the playing surface on Twitter, suggesting the wicket needs a shave.
Although the presenter shared a picture that seems to have been taken from the stands, one can see that the wicket has a healthy green cover, suggesting it is likely to favor the quicks.
1st look at Inaugral men’s test championship wicket. Needs a shave #WorldTestChampionship #ICCWTCFinal pic.twitter.com/n95THnb7lx
— Isa Guha (@isaguha) June 17, 2021
The first look of the playing surface also holds in line with comments made by Southampton head groundsman Simon Lee earlier this week. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, he gave insight into the playing surface for the WTC final.
“Pitch preparation for this Test is a little simpler as we are a neutral venue, we are guided by the ICC, but we all want is a good pitch that offers an even contest between the teams. For me personally, I just want to get something out that has some pace, bounce and carry in the pitch.”