"new-zealand"

Only 141.2 overs of play has been possible in the past four days due to rain and wet outfield.

Rain is not forecast for the remaining two days of the big final but it is likely to remain overcast as it has been the case so far when play did take place.

After the entire first day's play was washed out, the second day witnessed 64.4 overs being bowled while 76.3 overs was sent down between the two teams on the third day on Sunday.

New Zealand were in a strong position at 101 for two wickets, replying to India's first-innings' 217

India captain Virat Kohli was unbeaten on 35 off 94 deliveries while his deputy Ajinkya Rahane was on 13 off 54 deliveries as they battled it out against a disciplined New Zealand, who had won the toss and elected to bowl.

"A legacy that inspired a whole nation to aim for excellence. To never give up and chase your dreams. Rest in Peace #MilkhaSingh ji. You will never be forgotten," Kohli shared a picture of him

As per ICC playing conditions, the reserve sixth day can now come into effect

"Our vaccination program is ahead of plan, with nearly 1 million doses administered and operating at 107 per cent of target," Xinhua news agency quoted the Prime Minister as saying.

"If we win, cricket will not stop and if we lose also, cricket won't stop. We are playing in quest of excellence and understand who we are as a team," the eloquent Indian captain added.

New Zealand, who are usually seen as the underdogs going into a big event, have been touted as favourites for the WTC final beginning on Friday.

The team picked two specialist spinners in Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin, who are also more than handy with the bat.

It’s Virat Kohli's aggressive Indians versus Kane Williamson’s cool Kiwis in the World Test Championship final in Southampton

Umesh, along with Mohammed Shami, and Hanuma Vihari all of whom got injured during the Australia tour, were back in the 15 that needed to be announced as per ICC squad protocol.

They are recovering reasonably well. It was important for them to get a bit of rest and be fully fit heading into the next week, so I am sure they will go through the fitness testing protocol over the next day or two in order for them to be ready to go for the next week.

"The third day of intra-squad match simulation was about settling down & finding that rhythm. [emoticon: thumbs-up twice] #TeamIndia," tweeted the Board of Control for Cricket in India

Set a target of 38 to win on the fourth day, after England were all out for 122 in their second innings, the Kiwis reached the target losing just two wickets

At tea, England were 18 for two wickets in six overs. Pacer Matt Henry removed both openers, Rory Burns (0) and Dominic Sibley (8) with the total being 17.

Earlier, England were bowled out for 303 in their first innings on the second day.

Taking to Twitter, BCCI wrote: The countdown is down to 1 week now! Get behind #TeamIndia as they are all set to take on New Zealand in the #WTC21 Final."

Tom Latham will captain the side for the third time in Williamson's absence, while Will Young comes into the starting XI and will bat at number three.