At the end of the two-year cycle that began in July 2019, India and New Zealand will face the final of the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship (WTC) in Southampton from June 18. ESPNcricinfo tells you why this is important.
Is there an equivalent to the WTC World Cup Final?
In a sense it is. Although the International Cricket Council has awarded a trophy annually to the top team through a ranking system since 2002, until now a championship final was not held. Now, a grand finale helps decide the winner on the field, instead of the points awarded through complex algorithms. This final is, essentially, like a knockout match. Unlike a series of multiple Test matches, the teams will not have a second chance.
How different is it to say 50 overs or T20 World Cup final?
Unlike the other two editions, which are completed in a single day, the Test final will be played over five days, possibly on the sixth day if time runs out due to the elements.
Apart from the title of World Test Champions, what are they playing for?
The winner receives US$1.6 million, while the runner-up receives US$800,000. In case of a draw - if there is no definite result - both teams will be declared joint winners. And for the winners there is also a mace - about 90 cm long, plated with gold and silver -.
How were the finalists determined?
Each of the nine participating teams had to play a total of six bilateral series - three at home and three away - with the top two sides (with the most points) qualifying for the final. However, the pandemic derailed the cricket schedule, which led to an ICC ruling that the finalists would be decided on the basis of the percentage of points earned from those they contested for.
Was it a close call?
India, England, Australia and New Zealand were in contention. After losing the series to New Zealand in February 2020, India needed to win both their series against Australia (away) and England (at home) to qualify. To qualify, New Zealand need to win each of their four home Tests in their 2020-21 summer season. As it turned out, both India and New Zealand managed to achieve the feat, beating England and Australia.
What are some major contests to watch?
It will be a contest between two opposite captains, both hungry to win a world championship. Virat Kohli (India) fires against Kane Williamson (NZ) calmness - also one of the two best batsmen in the world. The two players have so far been on opposite sides of two knockout games in world events: the 2008 ICC Under-19 World Cup (Kohli won) and the 2019 World Cup semi-final (Williamson). He will now participate in the grand finale of a world event for the first time.
The match between New Zealand pacer Trent Boult and India opener Rohit Sharma should be a fascinating one. The two players did a lot of conspiracy and planning together in the IPL as teammates in the Mumbai Indians franchise and won that tournament together last September. Now, possibly Sharma may face Boult's first ball in the final of the World Championship.
The other crucial encounter is between Kyle Jamieson and Kohli, who were teammates at Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL until two months ago.
Which team is better prepared for this event?
In terms of preparation, New Zealand have the edge in terms of beating England 1-0 in the two-Test series. India, in comparison, has had a two-week quarantine at home before reaching the UK, where he managed isolation before resuming training. He has prepared himself by playing three-day intra-squad practice matches.
Will crowds be allowed in Southampton?
In compliance with the UK's COVID-19 protocol, 4000 fans will be allowed to attend the final. As such, crowds at sporting events in England have been gradually allowed back. In the recently concluded two-Test series between England and New Zealand, spectator attendance was at 50% capacity.
Finally, the weather. What is the forecast?
No wonder there is a rain forecast for each day of the match. This is likely to disrupt proceedings, which is why a reserve day has been set.