"world-test-championship-final"

For Gavaskar, it's not just bowling but all-round abilities that give India the kind of balance they need going into a marquee match like this.

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.

India have edge over New Zealand as they have got depth in all three departments.

In the spin department, India have the edge over New Zealand with Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja expected to be part of the playing eleven.

The World Test Championship final is scheduled to be held from Jun 18 to 22.

The WTC final against New Zealand will be held from June 18-22 at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.

Former England opener Chris Broad will be the ICC match referee for the marquee game.

The 30-year-old said the 2019 50-over World Cup final, where his team lost to New Zealand in the final due to boundary count is not playing on the team's mind as it is a different format.

Kohli-led India reached England on Thursday and headed into a three-day quarantine in Southampton, the venue for the eagerly-awaited match from June 18

The India squad was in quarantine for 14 days in Mumbai prior to its departure and is in the middle of another yet shorter quarantine.

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.

The BCCI has also ensured that the cricketers will get their second dose of the Covid-19 vaccines in England under the guidance of the UK health department.

The BCCI is still carrying out negotiations regarding the duration of 10 days of soft quarantine (training allowed) for players after reaching the UK.

The likes of captain Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson and Mitchell Santner are among 10 New Zealand players in the different franchises of the IPL.

Kohli's men decided to play aggressive cricket after they lost to Sri Lanka in Galle in 2015, says former national chief selector

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

Indian coach wasn't happy that midway through the tournament, ICC changed the criteria for qualifying to final from maximum points earned to maximum percentage points earned

Axar takes 11 wickets in match; Ashwin joins 400 Test club.