"wtc"

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.

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.

Ajinkya Rahane ready for the tough battle

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.

"We have looked at this at the end of this cycle as well and we have the second cycle starting in a month and a half and there will be some tweaks to the points system," ICC interim CEO Geoff Allardice said.

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 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

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.