WTC Final: 6 key battles to watch out for

India and New Zealand are set to face off in the final of the maiden edition of the World Test Championship (WTC). A triumph will mark the end of a barren run for one of the teams when it comes to success in ICC tournaments. One of the most important factors that will determine the final result is the eventual winner in the high profile individual match-ups that are set to take place in Southampton. Here is a look at six key battles to watch out for:

1) Virat Kohli vs Kane Williamson

The two captains will certainly be pitted against one another when it comes to captaincy as well as the battle for winning tosses. However, the personal battle between the two players will also play an extremely major role. Williamson sits atop the Test batting rankings. His performances played a major role in the Black Caps’ charge to the WTC final, scoring 639 runs at 159.75 across three Tests in 2020/21, with two double centuries and a ton. However, he will be looking to shake off an elbow injury and a quiet start to the tour of England. Kohli will be looking to score his first century in the longest format since 20019. However, he averaged 59.3 and scored two centuries on his last Test tour of England, which will provide some inspiration going into the final.

2) Ajinkya Rahane vs Tim Southee

Ajinkya Rahane has been India’s highest run-scorer during the WTC with Tim Southee the top wicket-taker for New Zealand. Both the players have played vital roles for their teams throughout the tournament and will be looking to deliver more of the same. Southee has taken 51 wickets at an average of 20.66 in the WTC, with three five-wicket hauls along the way. He also accounted for a six-for (6/43) in his most recent Test match against England. Rahane has accumulated 1,095 runs at an average of 43.80 during the WTC, accounting for three centuries and six half-centuries across 17 matches.

3) Rohit Sharma vs Neil Wagner

Rohit Sharma is among one of the six players globally to score more than 1,000 runs in the WTC cycle, having missed six out of India’s 17 matches. Rohit has averaged 64.37 since moving to the top of the order, which is impressive, to say the least. Wagner accounted for 32 dismissals at 22.50 having been limited to just seven Tests, due to two broken toes. The left-arm pacer will be fit going into the final, making his face-off against Rohit who is one of the best at pulling the ball one to watch out for.

4) Tom Latham vs Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah is yet the dismiss the Black Caps opener so far. However, he is well capable of doing the same in the WTC final having taken 14 wickets at an average of 25.92 in Test matches held in England. Latham will be motivated by an opportunity to record his first century in England or against India, with a ton in the final. This battle could well set the tone for the series, considering the importance of early dismissals from India’s point of view and Bumrah being down on confidence from New Zealand’s viewpoint.

5) Ross Taylor vs Ishant Sharma

Ross Taylor and Ishant Sharma have played more than 100 Tests so far, with the former playing 107 Tests and 101 for the latter. They will be looking to draw on their experience in the WTC Final. Ishant dismissed the Black Caps middle order batter four times in six matches so far, which will certainly give him a lot of confidence. The pacer further claimed 18 wickets at an average of 24.27 in his last Test series in England, back in 2018. Ishant claimed 36 wickets across 11 matches during India’s campaign in the WTC, with only Ravichandran Ashwin accounting for more dismissals so far. Taylor has scored 650 runs in Test cricket in England at an average of 40.62. However, he played a key role in New Zealand’s triumph in the recent second Test against England, scoring a confident 80. Taylor could well provide an edge to the Black Caps going into the final.

6) Rishabh Pant vs BJ Watling

Rishabh Pant is one of the most popular cricketers in India currently, having made his presence felt in India’s recent Test series win in Australia. Pant has accumulated 662 runs at 41.37 in the WTC at a strike rate of 69.17, which is the highest among players to have scored at least 400 runs in the competition. Watling has scored 300 runs at an average of 50 across eight Test innings in England. His measured approach has been extremely effective so far in English conditions, which will certainly encourage Williamson when on the lookout for someone capable of blunting opposition attacks.