India playing XI for WTC final vs New Zealand

India playing XI for WTC final vs New Zealand

 Live Streaming, India vs New Zealand Live Cricket Score Streaming Online: India will lock horns with New Zealand in the much-antIND vs NZ WTC Finalicipated final of the ICC World Test Championship, starting from Friday.

In a first in the 144-year history of Test cricket, a summit clash will take place and it will be held at a neutral venue — Ageas Bowl in Southampton. India, led by Virat Kohli, finished on top of the points table, with 12 wins from six series and 520 points.

On the other hand, New Zealand finished second with 420 points and seven Test wins in five series. While New Zealand will be relying on their recent series-winning form against England, India will hope to shine with their batting unit, featuring the likes of Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara.

WTC FINAL SQUADS
India: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Wriddhiman Saha.

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Will Young.

Team News:

India

India announced their XI on the eve of the final. Although they like to play with a sixth batsman in overseas Tests, Ravindra Jadeja’s batting evolution has meant he has pipped Hanuma Vihari to that spot, also providing a spinning option while at it. R Ashwin will play as the frontline spinner with India opting for a three-man pace attack.

Mohammed Siraj’s impressive start to his Test career didn’t have a bearing on India’s pace combination as they welcome back Mohammed Shami, reuniting the Bumrah-Ishant-Shami axis for the first time since Wellington 2020.

Playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah

New Zealand

Barring any late injuries, New Zealand’s top seven will pick itself. Colin de Grandhomme won the selection battle with Daryl Mitchell, who was left out of the 15-man squad, and will bat at seven as he did during the first Test against England at Lord’s while Devon Conway’s brilliant start to his Test career against England will see him open alongside Tom Latham.

The decision New Zealand have to make is whether to pick four quicks or three and the spin of Ajaz Patel. Arguably, their strongest combination would be the four-man battery of seam and swing, a strategy they have employed before in Tests. It is a tricky call.

Possible XI: Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner/Ajaz Patel, Trent Boult