The New Zealand team was the first between the two finalists to announce their 15 member team for the finals. The overall team for New Zealand ahead of the winner takes all clash is as follows: 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.
Similarly, a 15 member squad for India is : Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Chesteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Hanuma Vihari, Umesh Yadav, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Wriddhiman Saha.
The venue for the Final : Rose Bowl / Ageas Bowl, Southampton, England
Established in 2001, this stadium has a seating capacity of 6500 and up to 20,000 on a temporary seating arrangement. The names of its two ends are Pavilion Ends and Hotel Ends. It is the home ground of county team of Hampshire. The last international game to have been played here was a T20, between Australia and England.
Playing Conditions of the Pitch
Like most wickets in England, this pitch also supports quicker bowlers with the new ball. The swing produced by the pacers can be too much to handle for the batsmen at times. Moreover, it is considered as the quickest wicket in England with extra bounce. Also, as the match moves on, it starts to generate spin for the spinners. Hence, the first two days are the best when it comes to bat on this ground, historically. It can be gauged from the fact that on average, last innings score for last four tests here is 187.
New Zealand : Strength and Weakness
The strength of New Zealand is their bowling and its variety. While Trent Boult is one of the best swing bowlers going around, Neil Wagner is a short ball expert. Tim Southee is a seam bowler while Kyle Jamieson is the quickest of all 4 and generates extra bounce. Add the variety of Ajaz Patel as left arm spinner or the accuracy of medium pacer Colin De Grandhomme, and New Zealand is a potent threat with the ball.
When it comes to weakness, New Zealand does not have a lot of it. The only chink in their armor can be the inexperience of their lone spinner Ajaz Patel. The left arm spinner has only played 9 test matches. If in case the wicket starts turning, New Zealand might rue the availability of more experienced spinner.
India : Strength & Weakness
For India, their power packed batting and terrific bowling is the strength. While the batting has the firepower of Rohit, Kohli and above all Rishabh Pant, it also has the calmness of Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara. On the bowling front, India have a fantastic set of pacers led by Jasprit Bumrah and ably supported by Ishant and two Mohammads, Shami and Siraj.
Moreover, the spin attack of Indian team is best in the world. They have a left and right hand spinner combo in the form of Ashwin and Jadeja. Although, its possible that only one of them might play the match. Hence, the bowling attack is suited for all kinds of wicket.
The Weakness of Indian team can be their ability to play quality swing bowling. The last time India travelled to England in 2018, they were humbled 1-4 in a 5 match series. The wickets were mostly green tops and helpful for swing bowling. Similarly, New Zealand thrashed India by 0-2 in a two test series early last year when India toured the Kiwiland. Both the matches were played on pitches conducive for swing and seam.
- The final will begin from 18 June at 3:30PM IST.
