"wtc-final"

The former India head coach Ravi Shastri admitted he found the task a difficult one due to the sheer amount of world-class players on both sides.

There are a lot of ifs and buts in another of India’s failed attempts to cross the last hurdle

Williamson termed their final win over India as the "pinnacle" but stop short of calling it the country's biggest achievement in the game.

It can be safely assumed that some of the seniors will be on borrowed time and only a stellar performance in the five-Test series against England in August can secure their futures.

World Test Championship final reaching to its climax with all the thriller elements. Check the live score here

However, New Zealand pacer Tim Southee said none of the players are aware of any such incident.

New Zealand showed more intent on keeping the scoreboard ticking with Kyle Jamieson (21) and Tim Southee (30) throwing their bats around for useful runs.

Shami (18-8-31-2) found the ideal fuller 'English length' right away while Ishant Sharma (20-9-27-2), coming for his second spell, was also penetrative.

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.

Ajinkya Rahane was the top scorer for India as he played a knock of 49 runs

"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

"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

Good feet movement and tight technique are important. Indian batting will revolve around Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara.

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.