India and New Zealand will compete in the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) final in Southampton on June 18 at the completion of a two-year cycle that began in July 2019.
In some ways, it is. Since 2002, the International Cricket Council has presented a trophy to the top team in the world based on a rankings system, but there has never been a championship final. Instead of using intricate algorithms to determine the winner on the field, a grand finale is now used.
This final is virtually a knockout match. Unlike previous multiple-Test series, teams will not be given a second chance.
How does it compare to a 50-over or T20 World Cup final, for example?
Unlike the other two versions, which are completed in one day, the Test final will be played over five days, with a sixth day possible if time is lost due to weather.
Apart from the title of World Test Champions, what are they playing for?
The victor will receive $1.6 million, while the runner-up will receive $800,000. In the event of a tie – that is, if there is no clear winner – both teams will be proclaimed joint champions. The winners will also receive a mace, which is roughly 90cm long and gold and silver plated.
What criteria were used to select the finalists?
Each of the nine teams would play six bilateral series, three at home and three away, with the top two teams (with the most points) advancing to the final. The pandemic, on the other hand, threw cricket schedules into disarray.As a result, the ICC made a decision that the finalists would be determined by the percentage of points earned from those they competed for.
Was it a nail-biter?
India, England, Australia, and New Zealand were all in the running for the title. Following a series loss to New Zealand in February 2020, India needed to win both their away and home series against Australia and England to qualify. To qualify, New Zealand needed to win all four of their home Tests during the summer season of 2020-21. As it turned out, both India and New Zealand were able to accomplish this feat, eliminating England and Australia from the competition.
What are some of the most important competitions to keep an eye on?
It will be a battle between two captains who are both determined to win a global championship. The ferocity of India’s Virat Kohli and the composure of New Zealand’s Kane Williamson – two of the world’s top batsmen. Both players have played in two knockout games at major tournaments: the ICC Under-19 World Cup in 2008 (which Kohli won) and the World Cup semi-finals in 2019. (Williamson). For the first time, they will face off in the grand finale of a global event.The match between Trent Boult, a fast bowler from New Zealand, and Rohit Sharma, India’s opening batsman, could be exciting. Both players plotted and planned extensively as teammates in the IPL’s Mumbai Indians club, and they won the championship together in September. Now, Sharma might likely face Boult’s first ball in a World Championship final.
The second significant matchup is between Kyle Jamieson and Virat Kohli, who were teammates at the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League until two months ago.
Which squad is the most well-prepared for this competition?
In terms of preparation, New Zealand has the upper hand, having recently defeated England 1-0 in a two-Test series. India, on the other hand, was quarantined for two weeks at home before travelling to the UK, where they were placed in controlled isolation before returning to training. They’ve warmed up by participating in a three-day intra-squad practise match.
Is it likely that crowds will be permitted in Southampton?
In accordance with the UK’s Covid-19 rules, up to 4000 fans will be allowed to attend the final. As a result, crowds have gradually returned to sporting events in England.The recent two-Test series between England and New Zealand drew a crowd of 50 percent of the available seats.
Last but not least, the weather. What’s the weather going to be like?
It’s no surprise that rain is predicted for each day of the match. It’s sure to cause havoc, which is why a reserve day has been set.
