"new-zealand"

Nicholls was a part of the New Zealand team that thrashed India inside three days in two home Tests in early 2020, something that will give them confidence going into the final.

Head coach Gary Stead had earlier spoken about the boys waiting to get a feel of conditions as they were consistently train indoors.

The Kiwis are scheduled to play England in two Tests in the first and second week of next month, following which they will face India in the ICC World Test Championship final.

Panesar also expects the ICC to prepare a neutral wicket and not a green top as the WTC is supposed to be a good advert for the five-day game.

Among nations with Test status, India and Bangladesh are the only sides who haven't played Test cricket at a neutral venue.

The Indian team, currently quarantining in Mumbai for two weeks, depart for the UK on June 2.

However, by staying out, India has blocked itself from a trade bloc that represents 30% of the global economy and world population, touching over 2.2 billion people.

"It's really, really exciting to be involved in the final, obviously to win it would be that much better," said the 30-year-old considered one of the best current batsmen in the world.

The World Test Championship Final between India and New Zealand will begin at Southampton from June 18.

Archer had declared himself fit for the Test series against New Zealand, starting June 2 in London, but the pain in his elbow scuttled his and ECB's plan.

This will mean that the likes of Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes, Sam Curran and Moeen Ali, who are serving a mandatory 10-day quarantine after returning from the currently-suspended IPL

Maldives has been placed in the UK government's red list, which means that no direct flights from that country would be allowed in England.

While India have a strong unit on paper, the Kiwis are no pushovers. But Kiwi all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme believes that with the kind of arsenal Virat Kohli has at his disposal, picking the right XI will be a headache.

India will also take on Australia and Spain in February as it plays five away matches that month before taking on Germany and Argentina at home.

A senior BCCI official agreed that the option could be explored looking at the international travel guidelines during the last week of May as all commercial flights from India to Australia are banned

New Zealand on Thursday temporarily suspended entry for all travellers from India following a surge in COVID-19 cases arriving from there, local media reported.

The ban will commence on Sunday and will remain in place until April 28, New Zealand Herald reported.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said health officials believe the risk of the virus being transmitted from Australia is low and that travel is now safe.

Govts and private sector need to build equity and inclusion into their plans to bridge gender gap

Final was supposed to be held at the Lord's but Southampton, with a five-star facility inside the stadium, will make it easier for both the ICC and the England and Wales Cricket Board to create a bio-bubble for teams