India vs New Zealand, ICC WTC final: NZ elects to bowl amidst overcast Southampton conditions

India is locking horns against New Zealand in the 2019-21 ICC World Test Championship final at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. Day 1 was washed out without a ball being bowled, while the toss had to be delayed until Day 2, with the Kiwis electing to bowl.

The ICC World Test Championship 2019-21 final between India and New Zealand is finally underway at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. Meanwhile, the toss took place on Day 2 (Saturday), with Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson winning it and electing to bowl.

Day 1, on Friday, was entirely washed out due to persistent rains. Although the forecast for Day 2 is not promising either, the rains seem to have held up for now. At the same time, the conditions continue to remain overcast, while interruptions are likely to happen later as the day progresses.

Speaking during the toss, Williamson said, "We'll bowl first. Conditions, with the weather around, hopefully, we can make the most of it. Saying that, wicket will be consistent throughout the game, going by the cool weather. Have gone for four frontline seamers. No spinner. Great occasion and great challenge against the best team in the world. First time a WTC final, guys are really excited. A big player for us and a real leader within our group (Watling). Great occasion for him playing his last game. Great to be in this position. Two years trying to qualify - for us, we're fortunate to be here."

Meanwhile, Indian skipper Virat Kohli too asserted that he would have bowled first. "We would've probably bowled first as well. But, runs on the board has been our strength. In a big final, runs on the board, however many, are an advantage. As you saw the makeup of our side, the balance is such that we prepare for any conditions. We've been performing really well in Test cricket. For us, this is just a Test match we have to be professional in, have to follow our processes," he reckoned.

Playing XI
India: 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.
New Zealand: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee and Trent Boult.

NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitise, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona