India have retained the second spot on the World Test Championship (WTC) points table after a thrilling draw against New Zealand in the first Test of the ongoing two-match series in Kanpur on Monday. Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel combined to deny India a win as they stood tall with an unbeaten stand for the tenth wicket on Day five of the Test match.

Shreyas Iyer made a dream Test debut for India as he notched up a century and a half-century in the two innings respectively. His 105-run knock helped India post 345 runs on the board in the first innings before New Zealand replied with 296 runs in their first innings. Iyer then scored a gritty 65 in the second innings to combine with Wriddhiman Saha (61) to bail India out of trouble and post 234 runs on the board.

New Zealand were handed a target of 284 runs in their final innings with nine wickets left heading into the final day. Opener Tom Lathan (52) and nightwatchman William Somerville (36) batted out the entire first session to keep the visitors in the game before the Indian bowlers got the hosts back into the contest with three wickets in the second session and five wickets in the final session.

However, due to bad light, the game had to be called eleven minutes early as Patel and Ravindra stood tall to deny India the tenth wicket. India were forced to settle for a draw which meant they managed to take only four out of the available twelve points from the Kanpur Test.

India are currently at the second spot on the WTC points table with 30 points from five matches. The teams are noe ranked on the basis of the percentage of points. While the winning teams get 12 points (100%), each team gets 6 points (50%) for a tie and 4 points (33.33%) for a draw. The teams are also penalised for slow over-rate.

The WTC points table after India's draw against New Zealand:

<img alt="WTC points table" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="09139598-6545-41e6-8500-171eac5ffb37" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WTC%20points%20table.png" />

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/none-like-the-wall-rahul-dravid-donates-generously-to-groundstaff-for-sporting-track-in-kanpur-test-432796">None like The Wall! Rahul Dravid donates generously to groundstaff for sporting track in Kanpur Test</a>

India will look to bag a win and clinch the two-match series when they lock horns with New Zealand in the second Test of the series. The second Test will be played at the Wankede Stadium in Mumbai from December 03. Virat Kohli will return to lead the Indian team in the final game.

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India have retained the second spot on the World Test Championship (WTC) points table after a thrilling draw against New Zealand in the first Test of the ongoing two-match series in Kanpur on Monday.

India have retained the second spot on the World Test Championship (WTC) points table after a thrilling draw against New Zealand in the first Test of the ongoing two-match series in Kanpur on Monday. Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel combined to deny India a win as they stood tall with an unbeaten stand for the tenth wicket on Day five of the Test match. Shreyas Iyer made a dream Test debut for India as he notched up a century and a half-century in the two innings respectively. His 105-run knock helped India post 345 runs on the board in the first innings before New Zealand replied with 296 runs in their first innings. Iyer then scored a gritty 65 in the second innings to combine with Wriddhiman Saha (61) to bail India out of trouble and post 234 runs on the board. New Zealand were handed a target of 284 runs in their final innings with nine wickets left heading into the final day. Opener Tom Lathan (52) and nightwatchman William Somerville (36) batted out the entire first session to keep the visitors in the game before the Indian bowlers got the hosts back into the contest with three wickets in the second session and five wickets in the final session. However, due to bad light, the game had to be called eleven minutes early as Patel and Ravindra stood tall to deny India the tenth wicket. India were forced to settle for a draw which meant they managed to take only four out of the available twelve points from the Kanpur Test. India are currently at the second spot on the WTC points table with 30 points from five matches. The teams are noe ranked on the basis of the percentage of points. While the winning teams get 12 points (100%), each team gets 6 points (50%) for a tie and 4 points (33.33%) for a draw. The teams are also penalised for slow over-rate. The WTC points table after India's draw against New Zealand: Also Read: None like The Wall! Rahul Dravid donates generously to groundstaff for sporting track in Kanpur Test India will look to bag a win and clinch the two-match series when they lock horns with New Zealand in the second Test of the series. The second Test will be played at the Wankede Stadium in Mumbai from December 03. Virat Kohli will return to lead the Indian team in the final game.

Updated World Test Championship points table after India's draw against New Zealand in 1st Test

Former England skipper Nasser Hussain said that only India and New Zealand are producing high-quality batters in red-ball cricket in recent times while speaking about his observation about "batting demise".&nbsp;

Nasser Hussain expressed his opinion over England's Test woes after their defeat in the second Test of five-match series against India at Lord's. The Virat Kohli-led team registered a 151-run victory taking a 1-0 lead in the series a rain-marred draw at Trent Bridge.&nbsp;

During the second match, England skipper Joe Root gave his team an edge with a stunning century as he was 180 not out, his second successive Test hundred and fifth this year. He guided the hosts into a slender first-innings lead but it was not enough as India defeated England by 151 runs to register a thrilling win.&nbsp;

England, set 272 to win on the last day, were dismissed for 120, with Mohammed Siraj taking 4-32 as India won for just the third time in their 19 Tests at the 'home of cricket'.&nbsp;

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During a recent interaction with Mail Online, Hussain said, "This batting demise has been a long time coming. It's not just England by the way. It's red-ball batters around the world. It only seems to be the two World Test Championship finalists in New Zealand and India who are producing high-quality red-ball batsmen."

"If you started with a blank piece of paper now you wouldn’t have this schedule but the problem is that every format wants to play in this chunk of summer. Joe Root has had his hands tied behind his back for over a year. That includes Covid bubbles, rest and rotation, injuries," the former England skipper added.&nbsp;

Nasser Hussain said coach Chris Silverwood, skipper Joe Root and Ashley Giles need to sit down and come up with a plan for red-ball batting as he pointed out when England was in a commanding position and had chances of winning.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-the-complete-video-of-james-anderson-and-virat-kohli-sledging-goes-viral-watch-407041">The complete video of James Anderson and Virat Kohli sledging goes viral - WATCH</a>

"The most amazing thing is that when Rishabh Pant walked off at Lord’s on Monday morning, England were actually in a position to win the second Test. Joe, Chris Silverwood, and Ashley Giles need to sit down and come up with a plan for red-ball batting,” Nasser Hussain said.&nbsp;

The third Test at Headingley in Leeds starts on August 25.

Former England skipper Nasser Hussain said that only India and New Zealand are producing high-quality batters in red-ball cricket in recent times while speaking about his observation about "batting demise".

Former England skipper Nasser Hussain said that only India and New Zealand are producing high-quality batters in red-ball cricket in recent times while speaking about his observation about "batting demise". Nasser Hussain expressed his opinion over England's Test woes after their defeat in the second Test of five-match series against India at Lord's. The Virat Kohli-led team registered a 151-run victory taking a 1-0 lead in the series a rain-marred draw at Trent Bridge. During the second match, England skipper Joe Root gave his team an edge with a stunning century as he was 180 not out, his second successive Test hundred and fifth this year. He guided the hosts into a slender first-innings lead but it was not enough as India defeated England by 151 runs to register a thrilling win. England, set 272 to win on the last day, were dismissed for 120, with Mohammed Siraj taking 4-32 as India won for just the third time in their 19 Tests at the 'home of cricket'. ALSO READ | Watch: Ravichandran Ashwin reveals what exactly happened between Jasprit Bumrah and James Anderson at Lord's During a recent interaction with Mail Online, Hussain said, "This batting demise has been a long time coming. It's not just England by the way. It's red-ball batters around the world. It only seems to be the two World Test Championship finalists in New Zealand and India who are producing high-quality red-ball batsmen." "If you started with a blank piece of paper now you wouldn’t have this schedule but the problem is that every format wants to play in this chunk of summer. Joe Root has had his hands tied behind his back for over a year. That includes Covid bubbles, rest and rotation, injuries," the former England skipper added. Nasser Hussain said coach Chris Silverwood, skipper Joe Root and Ashley Giles need to sit down and come up with a plan for red-ball batting as he pointed out when England was in a commanding position and had chances of winning. ALSO READ | The complete video of James Anderson and Virat Kohli sledging goes viral - WATCH "The most amazing thing is that when Rishabh Pant walked off at Lord’s on Monday morning, England were actually in a position to win the second Test. Joe, Chris Silverwood, and Ashley Giles need to sit down and come up with a plan for red-ball batting,” Nasser Hussain said. The third Test at Headingley in Leeds starts on August 25.

Former England skipper says only India and New Zealand producing 'high-quality red-ball batsmen'

The India-New Zealand final in Southampton last month was the most-watched on average across all series that were part of the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC), recording a total cumulative global dedicated audience of 177 million, with live viewership touching 130.6 million across 89 territories.&nbsp;

India contributed most of the audience with Star Sports and national broadcaster Doordarshan accounting for a whopping 94.6% consumption of the intensely contested match that saw New Zealand complete an eight-wicket win on the Reserve Day.

In addition to the English-language world feed, Star had produced local language feeds in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-sri-lanka-vs-india-2nd-t20i-postponed-due-to-a-covid-19-case-in-the-indian-camp-reports-400952" hreflang="en">Cricket: Sri Lanka vs India 2nd T20I postponed after Krunal Pandya tests positive for COVID-19</a>

<h2>World Test Championship&nbsp;final viewership numbers</h2>

The viewership was also impressive in New Zealand. considering its small population and the inconvenient time of broadcast, over 200,000 people staying up all night or waking up very early in the mornings to watch their team win the battle of attrition and lift the coveted Test Mace on Sky Sport.

In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports recorded the highest-rated match in the 2019-2021 WTC cycle for a match not involving hosts England and the Reserve Day was also the most-watched day of a non-England Test match since 2015.

The launch of ICC’s OTT platform ICC.tv resulted in an additional 665,100 live views from over 145 territories outside of the key broadcast markets, totaling 14 million viewing minutes.

ICC digital platforms witnessed total views of over 500 million across all video content watched during the match window. Facebook provided most of the consumption across ICC digital assets with 423 million views and 368 million minutes consumed on the ICC Page.&nbsp;

The Reserve Day saw the most views ever recorded across the ICC Facebook page on a single day, with 65.7 million individual views across the 24-hour period, surpassing the 64.3 million enjoyed during the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020.&nbsp;

Instagram added a further 70 million individual views across the final, with Stories providing nearly 10% of these. Further contributions from the ICC website and mobile app, as well ICC’s channels on Twitter and YouTube, took the total video views to 515 million.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-sachin-tendulkar-helps-19-year-old-dipti-to-pursue-her-dream-of-becoming-a-doctor-400963" hreflang="en">Cricket: Sachin Tendulkar helps 19-year-old Dipti to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor</a>

ICC Chief Commercial Officer Anurag Dahiya: “The viewership data for broadcast and digital coverage of the ICC World Test Championship Final presents a really heartening picture, showing strong consumption across territories and languages as well as formats.

“The ICC always strives to give the best possible viewership experience and will continue to invest in resources that enhance the viewing pleasure and engagement of our fans. We thank all our partners for contributing to this success and their support in continuing to elevate our standards in the coming years,” he added.

The India-New Zealand final in Southampton last month was the most-watched on average across all series that were part of the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC), recording a total cumulative global dedicated audience of 177 million, with live viewership touching 130.

The India-New Zealand final in Southampton last month was the most-watched on average across all series that were part of the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC), recording a total cumulative global dedicated audience of 177 million, with live viewership touching 130.6 million across 89 territories. India contributed most of the audience with Star Sports and national broadcaster Doordarshan accounting for a whopping 94.6% consumption of the intensely contested match that saw New Zealand complete an eight-wicket win on the Reserve Day. In addition to the English-language world feed, Star had produced local language feeds in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. ALSO READ: Cricket: Sri Lanka vs India 2nd T20I postponed after Krunal Pandya tests positive for COVID-19 World Test Championship final viewership numbers The viewership was also impressive in New Zealand. considering its small population and the inconvenient time of broadcast, over 200,000 people staying up all night or waking up very early in the mornings to watch their team win the battle of attrition and lift the coveted Test Mace on Sky Sport. In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports recorded the highest-rated match in the 2019-2021 WTC cycle for a match not involving hosts England and the Reserve Day was also the most-watched day of a non-England Test match since 2015. The launch of ICC’s OTT platform ICC.tv resulted in an additional 665,100 live views from over 145 territories outside of the key broadcast markets, totaling 14 million viewing minutes. ICC digital platforms witnessed total views of over 500 million across all video content watched during the match window. Facebook provided most of the consumption across ICC digital assets with 423 million views and 368 million minutes consumed on the ICC Page. The Reserve Day saw the most views ever recorded across the ICC Facebook page on a single day, with 65.7 million individual views across the 24-hour period, surpassing the 64.3 million enjoyed during the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020. Instagram added a further 70 million individual views across the final, with Stories providing nearly 10% of these. Further contributions from the ICC website and mobile app, as well ICC’s channels on Twitter and YouTube, took the total video views to 515 million. ALSO READ: Cricket: Sachin Tendulkar helps 19-year-old Dipti to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor ICC Chief Commercial Officer Anurag Dahiya: “The viewership data for broadcast and digital coverage of the ICC World Test Championship Final presents a really heartening picture, showing strong consumption across territories and languages as well as formats. “The ICC always strives to give the best possible viewership experience and will continue to invest in resources that enhance the viewing pleasure and engagement of our fans. We thank all our partners for contributing to this success and their support in continuing to elevate our standards in the coming years,” he added.

Cricket: World Test Championship final between India-New Zealand most watched across all series

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed the point system of the upcoming World Test Championship (2021-23 cycle) and also the bilateral series that will kick off next month.&nbsp;

Matches in the latest edition of WTC will earn the same number of points that is 12 for a win, four for a draw and six for a tie. It is different from the previous edition, where the same number of points were allocated to each series.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🔸 12 points available every match, irrespective of series length 
🔸 Teams to be ranked on percentage of points won 
 
The new points system for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTC23?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTC23</a> is revealed 🔢 <a href="https://t.co/9IglLPKRa1">pic.twitter.com/9IglLPKRa1</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1415190009322348544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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According to ICC Acting chief Executive Geoff Allardice, the changes had been made to simplify the points system while adding the inputs from the disruption last year. He said: “We received feedback that the previous points system needed to be simplified. The Cricket Committee took this into consideration when proposing a new, standardized points system for each match. It maintained the principle of ensuring that all matches in a WTC series count towards a team’s standing while accommodating series varying in length between two Tests and five Tests.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Some cracking fixtures to look out for in the next edition of the ICC World Test Championship 🔥 
 
The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTC23?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTC23</a> schedule 👇 <a href="https://t.co/YXzu5lS0t1">pic.twitter.com/YXzu5lS0t1</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1415193109152112641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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“During the pandemic we had to change to ranking teams on the points table using the percentage of available points won by each team, since all series could not be completed. This helped us determine the finalists and we were able to complete the championship within the scheduled time frame. This method also allowed us to compare the relative performance of teams at any time, regardless of how many matches they had played.”

All nine teams will play six series each (three home and three away) with the cut-off date being 31 March 2023.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed the point system of the upcoming World Test Championship (2021-23 cycle) and also the bilateral series that will kick off next month.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed the point system of the upcoming World Test Championship (2021-23 cycle) and also the bilateral series that will kick off next month. Matches in the latest edition of WTC will earn the same number of points that is 12 for a win, four for a draw and six for a tie. It is different from the previous edition, where the same number of points were allocated to each series. 🔸 12 points available every match, irrespective of series length 🔸 Teams to be ranked on percentage of points won The new points system for #WTC23 is revealed 🔢 pic.twitter.com/9IglLPKRa1 — ICC (@ICC) July 14, 2021 × According to ICC Acting chief Executive Geoff Allardice, the changes had been made to simplify the points system while adding the inputs from the disruption last year. He said: “We received feedback that the previous points system needed to be simplified. The Cricket Committee took this into consideration when proposing a new, standardized points system for each match. It maintained the principle of ensuring that all matches in a WTC series count towards a team’s standing while accommodating series varying in length between two Tests and five Tests. Some cracking fixtures to look out for in the next edition of the ICC World Test Championship 🔥 The #WTC23 schedule 👇 pic.twitter.com/YXzu5lS0t1 — ICC (@ICC) July 14, 2021 × “During the pandemic we had to change to ranking teams on the points table using the percentage of available points won by each team, since all series could not be completed. This helped us determine the finalists and we were able to complete the championship within the scheduled time frame. This method also allowed us to compare the relative performance of teams at any time, regardless of how many matches they had played.” All nine teams will play six series each (three home and three away) with the cut-off date being 31 March 2023.

Cricket: ICC unveils fixtures and points system for upcoming World Test Championship

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed the point system of the upcoming World Test Championship (2021-23 cycle) and also the bilateral series that will kick off next month.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-icc-unveils-fixtures-and-points-system-for-upcoming-world-test-championship-398006" hreflang="en">Cricket: ICC unveils fixtures and points system for upcoming World Test Championship</a>

India skipper Virat Kohli, England captain Joe Root, and World Test Champion-winning captain Kane Williamson have reacted to ICC's fixtures and points system for the WTC 2.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli reacted to the announcements and said: “It was great to have played the final of the ICC World Test Championship against New Zealand in what was a memorable contest. Not just the final, we saw the determination of players throughout the first edition of the championship.

“The following of cricket lovers too was great to see, and I am sure they will all be waiting eagerly for the second edition. We will regroup with new energy for the next cycle starting with our series against England, hoping to give our fans a lot to cheer about," said, Kohli, the captain of WTC runner-up India, as quoted by ICC.

England captain Joe Root acknowledged the interesting challenge they face against the previous edition's finalist India for a five-match Test series.&nbsp;

“We start our campaign in the second edition of the ICC World Test Championship against the finalists of last time, which is an interesting challenge straight away. India are a fine all-round side and it would be good to test them in our home conditions.

“We narrowly missed out on qualifying for the final last time and are looking to do better this time. Test cricket is a format we all want to excel in and with points at stake for each match, everyone has to be at their best all the time," Root said.

Defending World Test Champions New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson responded to the fixtures and the points system.&nbsp;

“It was obviously pretty special to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in Southampton last month and it’s exciting to now look ahead to the second edition.

“The WTC has certainly added more context and brought new meaning to Test cricket and it was awesome to see the interest that was generated around the Final against India. We know trying to defend the title will be a huge challenge, but our focus will be on making sure we prepare as well as we can for the tours ahead and trying to maintain our level of performance,” he said.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed the point system of the upcoming World Test Championship (2021-23 cycle) and also the bilateral series that will kick off next month. ALSO READ: Cricket: ICC unveils fixtures and points system for upcoming World Test Championship India skipper Virat Kohli, England captain Joe Root, and World Test Champion-winning captain Kane Williamson have reacted to ICC's fixtures and points system for the WTC 2. Indian skipper Virat Kohli reacted to the announcements and said: “It was great to have played the final of the ICC World Test Championship against New Zealand in what was a memorable contest. Not just the final, we saw the determination of players throughout the first edition of the championship. “The following of cricket lovers too was great to see, and I am sure they will all be waiting eagerly for the second edition. We will regroup with new energy for the next cycle starting with our series against England, hoping to give our fans a lot to cheer about," said, Kohli, the captain of WTC runner-up India, as quoted by ICC. England captain Joe Root acknowledged the interesting challenge they face against the previous edition's finalist India for a five-match Test series. “We start our campaign in the second edition of the ICC World Test Championship against the finalists of last time, which is an interesting challenge straight away. India are a fine all-round side and it would be good to test them in our home conditions. “We narrowly missed out on qualifying for the final last time and are looking to do better this time. Test cricket is a format we all want to excel in and with points at stake for each match, everyone has to be at their best all the time," Root said. Defending World Test Champions New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson responded to the fixtures and the points system. “It was obviously pretty special to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in Southampton last month and it’s exciting to now look ahead to the second edition. “The WTC has certainly added more context and brought new meaning to Test cricket and it was awesome to see the interest that was generated around the Final against India. We know trying to defend the title will be a huge challenge, but our focus will be on making sure we prepare as well as we can for the tours ahead and trying to maintain our level of performance,” he said.

Virat Kohli, Joe Root and Kane Williamson react to ICC's announcement on WTC 2

Former England skipper and opener Alastair Cook has figured that the Joe Root-drove English batting unit will struggle against a quality Indian bowling attack in the forthcoming five-match series.&nbsp;England's batting has been a significant reason for worry in the previous six months and Alastair Cook believes that they will be facing a humongous challenge against India.

England set up a hopeless batting show to go down against New Zealand in the new Edgbaston Test, accordingly surrendering the two-match series 1-0.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-its-time-that-rest-and-rotation-policy-is-put-behind-us-says-joe-root-395292" hreflang="en">Cricket: It’s time that ‘rest and rotation policy’ is put behind us, says Joe Root</a>

Alastair Cook in the Tuffers and Vaughan podcast expressed that England's young batting line-up would think that it’s intense against a quality Indian bowling attack.&nbsp; 
“When the pressure comes on, this England batting unit doesn’t respond too well, they often collapse, when the game’s right on the money or when it becomes tough. It would be interesting to see how they cope with India. It will be a great challenge for them.”

Alastair Cook added that England has such a large number of unpracticed batsmen at the top and middle-order, which has been one of the main sources of their difficulties.&nbsp; 
“We’ve also got to look at how many games these guys have played. Sibley 20, Burns 25, Crawley 14, Pope 19. So four out of the top five, take Joe Root out of it, have played less than 25 games. In a really seasoned Test side, you only want one player with under 20 games. You want everyone else with 50-60 Tests," he said.

“The England side which went to Australia in 2010-11 - myself, Struass, Trott at three, KP at four, Bell at five, Collingwood at six we had all played 50-60 Test matches. We had all gone through what Sibley, Burns, and Crawley are going through at this particular time,” he added.

Phil Tufnell trusts the hosts could get defeated by India if they don't take care of their batting line-up: “We were talking about Joe Root, in the 50-over game, being a situational player. I didn’t see any of that against New Zealand in those two Test matches. I still think there is a huge worry about the top three. Rory Burns is probably pretty much pinned in. But there are two or three spots lurking around. Ollie Pope short of runs, the likes of James Bracey came in, he was nervous. That batting order against that Indian bowling line-up will struggle, and they will need to do something about it because we could get blown away.” 
&nbsp;

Former England skipper and opener Alastair Cook has figured that the Joe Root-drove English batting unit will struggle against a quality Indian bowling attack in the forthcoming five-match series.

Former England skipper and opener Alastair Cook has figured that the Joe Root-drove English batting unit will struggle against a quality Indian bowling attack in the forthcoming five-match series. England's batting has been a significant reason for worry in the previous six months and Alastair Cook believes that they will be facing a humongous challenge against India. England set up a hopeless batting show to go down against New Zealand in the new Edgbaston Test, accordingly surrendering the two-match series 1-0. ALSO READ: Cricket: It’s time that ‘rest and rotation policy’ is put behind us, says Joe Root Alastair Cook in the Tuffers and Vaughan podcast expressed that England's young batting line-up would think that it’s intense against a quality Indian bowling attack. “When the pressure comes on, this England batting unit doesn’t respond too well, they often collapse, when the game’s right on the money or when it becomes tough. It would be interesting to see how they cope with India. It will be a great challenge for them.” Alastair Cook added that England has such a large number of unpracticed batsmen at the top and middle-order, which has been one of the main sources of their difficulties. “We’ve also got to look at how many games these guys have played. Sibley 20, Burns 25, Crawley 14, Pope 19. So four out of the top five, take Joe Root out of it, have played less than 25 games. In a really seasoned Test side, you only want one player with under 20 games. You want everyone else with 50-60 Tests," he said. “The England side which went to Australia in 2010-11 - myself, Struass, Trott at three, KP at four, Bell at five, Collingwood at six we had all played 50-60 Test matches. We had all gone through what Sibley, Burns, and Crawley are going through at this particular time,” he added. Phil Tufnell trusts the hosts could get defeated by India if they don't take care of their batting line-up: “We were talking about Joe Root, in the 50-over game, being a situational player. I didn’t see any of that against New Zealand in those two Test matches. I still think there is a huge worry about the top three. Rory Burns is probably pretty much pinned in. But there are two or three spots lurking around. Ollie Pope short of runs, the likes of James Bracey came in, he was nervous. That batting order against that Indian bowling line-up will struggle, and they will need to do something about it because we could get blown away.”

Cricket: England’s batting unit will struggle against Indian bowlers, says Alastair Cook

New Zealand's dressing area was loaded with celebrations after BlackCaps crushed Team India to finish the pursuit of the 139-run target to win the World Test Championship final.

That was the moment when celebrations started in the New Zealand dressing room while the Indian players were attempting to get over the shock of the loss. Ravichandran Ashwin as of late opened up about the loss and said he was numb after the match finished. In his most recent YouTube video, Ravichandran Ashwin said New Zealand players celebrated the success until late which was very hard to see for the losing team.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="Cricket: Kane Williamson reclaims the No.1 position in the ICC Men’s Test rankings"> Cricket: Kane Williamson reclaims the No.1 position in the ICC Men’s Test rankings</a>

He said: “After the match, New Zealand have this custom of celebrating with the trophy and a few drinks in the dressing room. It was tough to see it. I think it is the flip side of having a room above the ground. They celebrated until 12. They even arrived at the pitch, and it sounded like a war cry to express their happiness. It was quite upsetting to see as we couldn’t make it.”&nbsp;

Team India's next task is facing England in a five-match Test series which will check the start of the second release of the World Test Championship. The series commences on August 4 in Nottingham and before that, the team has been offered a three-week reprieve.&nbsp;

Talking about the significance of the break, Ravichandran Ashwin said, “We were in the bubble throughout. So, after a long time, we are able to get some fresh air and step out. I have rented a car, and I am just driving around the country. First, we visited Devon. It was a beautiful and picturesque place. We went at an altitude that connected the ocean and the hill."

"This break is important for us. We had a lot of time between the WTC final and the England series. Obviously, we will practice, but this break is good. It has been quite hard being in the bubble. We have been in the bubble for 1.5 years," he added.

New Zealand's dressing area was loaded with celebrations after BlackCaps crushed Team India to finish the pursuit of the 139-run target to win the World Test Championship final.

New Zealand's dressing area was loaded with celebrations after BlackCaps crushed Team India to finish the pursuit of the 139-run target to win the World Test Championship final. That was the moment when celebrations started in the New Zealand dressing room while the Indian players were attempting to get over the shock of the loss. Ravichandran Ashwin as of late opened up about the loss and said he was numb after the match finished. In his most recent YouTube video, Ravichandran Ashwin said New Zealand players celebrated the success until late which was very hard to see for the losing team. ALSO READ: Cricket: Kane Williamson reclaims the No.1 position in the ICC Men’s Test rankings He said: “After the match, New Zealand have this custom of celebrating with the trophy and a few drinks in the dressing room. It was tough to see it. I think it is the flip side of having a room above the ground. They celebrated until 12. They even arrived at the pitch, and it sounded like a war cry to express their happiness. It was quite upsetting to see as we couldn’t make it.” Team India's next task is facing England in a five-match Test series which will check the start of the second release of the World Test Championship. The series commences on August 4 in Nottingham and before that, the team has been offered a three-week reprieve. Talking about the significance of the break, Ravichandran Ashwin said, “We were in the bubble throughout. So, after a long time, we are able to get some fresh air and step out. I have rented a car, and I am just driving around the country. First, we visited Devon. It was a beautiful and picturesque place. We went at an altitude that connected the ocean and the hill." "This break is important for us. We had a lot of time between the WTC final and the England series. Obviously, we will practice, but this break is good. It has been quite hard being in the bubble. We have been in the bubble for 1.5 years," he added.

Cricket: Ravichandran Ashwin admits it was 'tough to see' New Zealand celebrate WTC victory

Subsequent to overpowering endorsement for the World Test Championship as an idea notwithstanding a pandemic-defaced debut version and a downpour hit last, the 2021-23 cycle will start with India's five-Test series in England beginning August 4. The dates and venue for the 2023 WTC final are yet to be declared.&nbsp;

The International Cricket Council has made a striking change to every Test, and not the series, which will mean WTC points. Cricket board of the nine participating teams however boards are allowed to organize Tests outside the WTC cycle.

The ICC team rankings will proceed as an estimating device to pick the teams for the WTC cycle.&nbsp;

<h2>Top Three to play most Tests&nbsp;</h2>

The current framework doesn't assist with measuring home and away successes independently, or address unequal dissemination of Tests. As indicated by Future Tours Program subtleties accessible, England, India, and Australia will again play the most Tests, almost 50% of them among themselves. Aside from the series in England, India will play three Tests in South Africa and two in Bangladesh while their facilitating Australia, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka are affirmed.

<h2>Points System</h2>

An aggregate of 120 points were distributed to every series in the debut WTC cycle, 60 points per Test for a two-match series and 24 points for success in a five-Test series. Presently, every Test win, paying little heed to the length of the series, will get 12 points. Teams will get six points each for a tie and four points each for a draw.&nbsp;

On a basic level, the change accepts the percentage of points won method, a change in the framework that produced results from last November after numerous series were dropped because of the pandemic.&nbsp;

“We are going to stick with the percentage-of-points-won method to rank teams,” ICC acting CEO Geoff Allardice was quoted as saying on ICC’s website. “If we are using the percentage, we can put a standardized number of points per Test. So, it doesn’t matter if it is a two-Test series or a five-Test series, the same number of points will be available for each match&nbsp;every team would be judged on the percentage of those points it wins, not on the total.”

"Instead of each series being worth the same number of points, 120, irrespective of whether the series is played over two Tests or five Tests, the next cycle will see each match being worth the same number of points - a maximum of 12 per match. Teams will be ranked on the percentage of available points they won from the matches they have played. The aim was to try and simplify the points system and to allow teams to be meaningfully compared on the table at any point, though they may have played differing numbers of matches and series."

Last year, a late move to embrace the percentage of points framework pushed table clinchers India to No. 2, in spite of having the most successes, and they needed to scramble to book a compartment in the final, which they lost to New Zealand.&nbsp;

New Zealand were better positioned and dominated the two-match home series against West Indies and Pakistan to enter the final. Australia pulled out of their South Africa visit referring to the pandemic.&nbsp;

Subsequent to overpowering endorsement for the World Test Championship as an idea notwithstanding a pandemic-defaced debut version and a downpour hit last, the 2021-23 cycle will start with India's five-Test series in England beginning August 4.

Subsequent to overpowering endorsement for the World Test Championship as an idea notwithstanding a pandemic-defaced debut version and a downpour hit last, the 2021-23 cycle will start with India's five-Test series in England beginning August 4. The dates and venue for the 2023 WTC final are yet to be declared. The International Cricket Council has made a striking change to every Test, and not the series, which will mean WTC points. Cricket board of the nine participating teams however boards are allowed to organize Tests outside the WTC cycle. The ICC team rankings will proceed as an estimating device to pick the teams for the WTC cycle. Top Three to play most Tests The current framework doesn't assist with measuring home and away successes independently, or address unequal dissemination of Tests. As indicated by Future Tours Program subtleties accessible, England, India, and Australia will again play the most Tests, almost 50% of them among themselves. Aside from the series in England, India will play three Tests in South Africa and two in Bangladesh while their facilitating Australia, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka are affirmed. Points System An aggregate of 120 points were distributed to every series in the debut WTC cycle, 60 points per Test for a two-match series and 24 points for success in a five-Test series. Presently, every Test win, paying little heed to the length of the series, will get 12 points. Teams will get six points each for a tie and four points each for a draw. On a basic level, the change accepts the percentage of points won method, a change in the framework that produced results from last November after numerous series were dropped because of the pandemic. “We are going to stick with the percentage-of-points-won method to rank teams,” ICC acting CEO Geoff Allardice was quoted as saying on ICC’s website. “If we are using the percentage, we can put a standardized number of points per Test. So, it doesn’t matter if it is a two-Test series or a five-Test series, the same number of points will be available for each match every team would be judged on the percentage of those points it wins, not on the total.” "Instead of each series being worth the same number of points, 120, irrespective of whether the series is played over two Tests or five Tests, the next cycle will see each match being worth the same number of points - a maximum of 12 per match. Teams will be ranked on the percentage of available points they won from the matches they have played. The aim was to try and simplify the points system and to allow teams to be meaningfully compared on the table at any point, though they may have played differing numbers of matches and series." Last year, a late move to embrace the percentage of points framework pushed table clinchers India to No. 2, in spite of having the most successes, and they needed to scramble to book a compartment in the final, which they lost to New Zealand. New Zealand were better positioned and dominated the two-match home series against West Indies and Pakistan to enter the final. Australia pulled out of their South Africa visit referring to the pandemic.

Cricket: England vs India to kick off the second WTC cycle, with tweaked points system

Indian cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar believes&nbsp;New Zealand speedster Kyle Jamieson has the capacity to become among the top all-rounders in the world soon. He feels Kyle Jamieson's all-around capacity makes him an important resource for this New Zealand setup.&nbsp;

Following Kyle Jamieson's endeavours in the final of the World Test Championship against India, where he got seven wickets and scored a pivotal 21 in the first innings, Sachin Tendulkar has anticipated the New Zealand adolescent to arrive at amazing statures in world cricket.&nbsp;

Kyle Jamieson, the 26-year-old, has played only eight Tests for New Zealand since the beginning of 2020, yet has effectively sacked five-wicket-hauls, which is a demonstration of his marvelous capacity. He has had a spectacular beginning to his Test vocation up until this point. In only eight Tests, he has gotten 46 wickets at a startling average of only 14.17 with the ball and a great average of 42.66 with the bat.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/it-was-a-big-setback-wasim-jaffer-on-jasprit-bumrah-going-wicketless-in-wtc-final-393889" hreflang="en">'It was a big setback': Wasim Jaffer on Jasprit Bumrah going wicketless in WTC Final</a>

In a video on his YouTube channel, Sachin Tendulkar uncovered that he was dazzled with the 26-year-old's adventures with both bat and ball: "Jamieson is a fantastic bowler and a utility all-rounder in the New Zealand team. He is going to become one of the leading all-rounders in world cricket. When I had seen him last year in New Zealand, he impressed me with both bat and ball" - Sachin Tendulkar expressed.&nbsp;

Sachin Tendulkar is of the assessment that not at all like other New Zealand pacers who rely upon a swing, Kyle Jamieson utilizes his height to extract bounce and seam movement from the pitch.&nbsp;

Sachin Tendulkar was additionally intrigued with the manner in which the New Zealand star performed&nbsp;in the World Test Championship final against India. Kyle Jamieson's 5/31 was his second five-for against India. In the first innings, with India laying strong preparation to reach 146/3, Kyle Jamieson shook their innings excusing Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and keeping in mind that it was Trent Boult and Tim Southee who did the heft of the harm in the subsequent innings.&nbsp;

"He is a different bowler from Southee, Boult, Wagner, and de Grandhomme. This guy likes to hit the deck hard and likes to move the ball off the seam, while the others try to swing the ball away towards the slips. There were a few variations where he angled his wrists and bowled a booming inswinger. What I liked&nbsp;was his consistency and he never looked out of rhythm" - he concluded.&nbsp;

Indian cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar believes New Zealand speedster Kyle Jamieson has the capacity to become among the top all-rounders in the world soon. He feels Kyle Jamieson's all-around capacity makes him an important resource for this New Zealand setup.

Indian cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar believes New Zealand speedster Kyle Jamieson has the capacity to become among the top all-rounders in the world soon. He feels Kyle Jamieson's all-around capacity makes him an important resource for this New Zealand setup. Following Kyle Jamieson's endeavours in the final of the World Test Championship against India, where he got seven wickets and scored a pivotal 21 in the first innings, Sachin Tendulkar has anticipated the New Zealand adolescent to arrive at amazing statures in world cricket. Kyle Jamieson, the 26-year-old, has played only eight Tests for New Zealand since the beginning of 2020, yet has effectively sacked five-wicket-hauls, which is a demonstration of his marvelous capacity. He has had a spectacular beginning to his Test vocation up until this point. In only eight Tests, he has gotten 46 wickets at a startling average of only 14.17 with the ball and a great average of 42.66 with the bat. ALSO READ: 'It was a big setback': Wasim Jaffer on Jasprit Bumrah going wicketless in WTC Final In a video on his YouTube channel, Sachin Tendulkar uncovered that he was dazzled with the 26-year-old's adventures with both bat and ball: "Jamieson is a fantastic bowler and a utility all-rounder in the New Zealand team. He is going to become one of the leading all-rounders in world cricket. When I had seen him last year in New Zealand, he impressed me with both bat and ball" - Sachin Tendulkar expressed. Sachin Tendulkar is of the assessment that not at all like other New Zealand pacers who rely upon a swing, Kyle Jamieson utilizes his height to extract bounce and seam movement from the pitch. Sachin Tendulkar was additionally intrigued with the manner in which the New Zealand star performed in the World Test Championship final against India. Kyle Jamieson's 5/31 was his second five-for against India. In the first innings, with India laying strong preparation to reach 146/3, Kyle Jamieson shook their innings excusing Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and keeping in mind that it was Trent Boult and Tim Southee who did the heft of the harm in the subsequent innings. "He is a different bowler from Southee, Boult, Wagner, and de Grandhomme. This guy likes to hit the deck hard and likes to move the ball off the seam, while the others try to swing the ball away towards the slips. There were a few variations where he angled his wrists and bowled a booming inswinger. What I liked was his consistency and he never looked out of rhythm" - he concluded.

Cricket: Sachin Tendulkar backs Kyle Jamieson to become top all-rounders in world cricket

The International Cricket Council congratulated the Black Caps on winning the inaugural ICC World Test Championship, beating India in a riveting final at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. It is the first major ICC trophy for the New Zealand cricket team since 2000 and an incredibly tight game saw New Zealand bowl out India for 170 in the second innings, leaving them 139 to chase for victory. &nbsp;

&nbsp;It is the first major ICC trophy for the New Zealand cricket team since 2000 and an incredibly tight game saw New Zealand bowl out India for 170 in the second innings, leaving them 139 to chase for victory.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-team-indias-schedule-for-2021-23-world-test-championship-cycle-393816" hreflang="en">Cricket: Team India's schedule for 2021-23 World Test Championship cycle</a>

Geoff Allardice, ICC Acting CEO said, “I would like to congratulate the first-ever World Test Champions, the Black Caps who displayed the skill and temperament required to be the best Test team in the world. I would also like to congratulate the Indian team, who performed so consistently to qualify for the Final and came so close to winning it. Both teams showed their quality and it was a simply outstanding game of Test cricket that will live long in the memories of cricket fans around the world, also played in a great spirit that highlighted the mutual respect between the teams.

“Throughout the two-year World Test Championship both Kane and Virat made no secret of their desire to win the Test Mace and that was clearly evident over the last six days. The quality of the play was befitting of the two best Test teams in the world and it was an enthralling game.

“The conclusion of the first edition of the World Test Championship is a special moment for our sport as this is an event that has been so long in the making. But the last two years have clearly demonstrated the importance of context in Test cricket and I’m already looking forward to the second edition starting with England v India in a little over a month.”

“I would also like to thank everyone involved in staging this pinnacle event in the making for years, including the ground staff at the Hampshire Bowl, the staff at the ECB, BCCI, and NZC, our commentators and media experts, and the passionate fans who attended the match, without whom, such a befitting tribute to Test cricket would not have been possible.”

The International Cricket Council congratulated the Black Caps on winning the inaugural ICC World Test Championship, beating India in a riveting final at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton.

The International Cricket Council congratulated the Black Caps on winning the inaugural ICC World Test Championship, beating India in a riveting final at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. It is the first major ICC trophy for the New Zealand cricket team since 2000 and an incredibly tight game saw New Zealand bowl out India for 170 in the second innings, leaving them 139 to chase for victory. It is the first major ICC trophy for the New Zealand cricket team since 2000 and an incredibly tight game saw New Zealand bowl out India for 170 in the second innings, leaving them 139 to chase for victory. ALSO READ: Cricket: Team India's schedule for 2021-23 World Test Championship cycle Geoff Allardice, ICC Acting CEO said, “I would like to congratulate the first-ever World Test Champions, the Black Caps who displayed the skill and temperament required to be the best Test team in the world. I would also like to congratulate the Indian team, who performed so consistently to qualify for the Final and came so close to winning it. Both teams showed their quality and it was a simply outstanding game of Test cricket that will live long in the memories of cricket fans around the world, also played in a great spirit that highlighted the mutual respect between the teams. “Throughout the two-year World Test Championship both Kane and Virat made no secret of their desire to win the Test Mace and that was clearly evident over the last six days. The quality of the play was befitting of the two best Test teams in the world and it was an enthralling game. “The conclusion of the first edition of the World Test Championship is a special moment for our sport as this is an event that has been so long in the making. But the last two years have clearly demonstrated the importance of context in Test cricket and I’m already looking forward to the second edition starting with England v India in a little over a month.” “I would also like to thank everyone involved in staging this pinnacle event in the making for years, including the ground staff at the Hampshire Bowl, the staff at the ECB, BCCI, and NZC, our commentators and media experts, and the passionate fans who attended the match, without whom, such a befitting tribute to Test cricket would not have been possible.”

Cricket: ICC congratulates New Zealand for winning the inaugural World Test Championship

India finished the debut ICC World Test Championship as runners-up regardless of topping the league stage. Team India endured an eight-wicket rout to New Zealand in the last match played at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-will-not-wait-for-a-year-virat-kohli-hints-changes-after-wtc-final-loss-393748" hreflang="en">'We will not wait for a year': Virat Kohli hints changes after WTC Final loss</a>

India were quite possibly the most reliable side in the competition, however, the team couldn't carry its 'A' game to the table when it made a difference the most. Tea, India will be pleased with the manner in which they performed and will be anxious to convey the momentum into the new pattern of the World Test Championship.&nbsp;

This new cycle will begin in July 2021 and end in 2023. Every country will play three home series and three away series. With India's 2021-23 Future Tour Programs having been delivered a couple of years prior, here's a glance at the team's schedule for the subsequent World Test Championship.

The Indian cricket crew will start off its new World Test Championship crusade with a five-Test series against England in the United Kingdom. The series is planned to start on August 4 and end on September 14.&nbsp;

August 4-8: England versus India, First Test, Trent Bridge&nbsp; 
August 12-16: England versus India, Second Test, Lord's&nbsp; 
August 25-29: England versus India, Third Test, Headingley&nbsp; 
September 2-6: England versus India, Fourth Test, Kennington Oval&nbsp; 
September 10-14: England versus India, Fifth Test, Old Trafford&nbsp;

New Zealand visit through India, 2021&nbsp;

India lost every one of the three of their Tests against New Zealand in the first World Test Championship. Nonetheless, Team India will have a chance to vindicate those misfortunes not long from now. According to the Future Tour Programs plan, the Kiwis will visit India for a two-Test series in November 2021.&nbsp;

India visit through South Africa, 2021/22&nbsp;

Subsequent to playing a two-match Test series against New Zealand, the Indian cricket team will travel to South Africa for a three-Test series. The series among India and South Africa is planned to happen in December 2021 and January 2022.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka visit through India, 2022&nbsp;

Not long before the IPL 2022, Sri Lanka will visit India to play a three-match ICC World Test Championship series and a three-match T20I series. They will think that its extreme to make life surprisingly difficult for India in home conditions.&nbsp;

Australia visit through India, 2022&nbsp;

Australia will visit India for a four-Test series in 2022. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will happen in India around October and November one year from now.&nbsp;

India visit through Bangladesh, 2022&nbsp;

India will end their league stage of the World Test Championship with a fight against Bangladesh. Virat Kohli's side will play two Tests against Bangladesh soon after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

&nbsp;

India finished the debut ICC World Test Championship as runners-up regardless of topping the league stage. Team India endured an eight-wicket rout to New Zealand in the last match played at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.

India finished the debut ICC World Test Championship as runners-up regardless of topping the league stage. Team India endured an eight-wicket rout to New Zealand in the last match played at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. ALSO READ: 'We will not wait for a year': Virat Kohli hints changes after WTC Final loss India were quite possibly the most reliable side in the competition, however, the team couldn't carry its 'A' game to the table when it made a difference the most. Tea, India will be pleased with the manner in which they performed and will be anxious to convey the momentum into the new pattern of the World Test Championship. This new cycle will begin in July 2021 and end in 2023. Every country will play three home series and three away series. With India's 2021-23 Future Tour Programs having been delivered a couple of years prior, here's a glance at the team's schedule for the subsequent World Test Championship. The Indian cricket crew will start off its new World Test Championship crusade with a five-Test series against England in the United Kingdom. The series is planned to start on August 4 and end on September 14. August 4-8: England versus India, First Test, Trent Bridge August 12-16: England versus India, Second Test, Lord's August 25-29: England versus India, Third Test, Headingley September 2-6: England versus India, Fourth Test, Kennington Oval September 10-14: England versus India, Fifth Test, Old Trafford New Zealand visit through India, 2021 India lost every one of the three of their Tests against New Zealand in the first World Test Championship. Nonetheless, Team India will have a chance to vindicate those misfortunes not long from now. According to the Future Tour Programs plan, the Kiwis will visit India for a two-Test series in November 2021. India visit through South Africa, 2021/22 Subsequent to playing a two-match Test series against New Zealand, the Indian cricket team will travel to South Africa for a three-Test series. The series among India and South Africa is planned to happen in December 2021 and January 2022. Sri Lanka visit through India, 2022 Not long before the IPL 2022, Sri Lanka will visit India to play a three-match ICC World Test Championship series and a three-match T20I series. They will think that its extreme to make life surprisingly difficult for India in home conditions. Australia visit through India, 2022 Australia will visit India for a four-Test series in 2022. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will happen in India around October and November one year from now. India visit through Bangladesh, 2022 India will end their league stage of the World Test Championship with a fight against Bangladesh. Virat Kohli's side will play two Tests against Bangladesh soon after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Cricket: Team India's schedule for 2021-23 World Test Championship cycle

Dale Steyn noticed an extremely fascinating part of Cheteshwar Pujara's batting, which he feels is holding the Indian batsman down. Dale Steyn, who bowled to Chesteshwar Pujara during India's visit through South Africa in 2013, where the India batsman played a marvelous thump of 153 in the subsequent innings, feels that for reasons unknown, Chesteshwar Pujara has eliminated playing shots off his backfoot.&nbsp;

South African pacer Dale Steyn trusts Cheteshwar Pujara has lost a piece of his game by eliminating playing shots off the back foot.&nbsp;

Cheteshwar Pujara had a grim excursion in the last of the World Test Championship against New Zealand. He scored eight runs off 54 balls in the primary innings and following that with a 15 off 80 balls in the subsequent innings. India wound up losing the game by eight wickets.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-india-will-use-the-southampton-test-as-a-spur-to-greater-things-says-vvs-laxman-393855" hreflang="en">India will use the Southampton Test as a spur to greater things, says VVS Laxman</a>

In a conversation with ESPNCricinfo, Dale Steyn said:&nbsp;“Out of my memory, I just remember Pujara playing great off his legs. Very, very good off his legs and eyes underneath the ball. But I do remember him playing some magical cut shots and back foot drives. Maybe on pitches that a little bit quicker – and Indian wickets are not quick – he played some beautiful balls underneath his eyes through the cover. It’s a part of the game that I feel he has lost."

“That shot today that he played, if he was in a better position, a couple of years ago, maybe he would have gotten more on the back foot and punched it through the covers. Whereas he just stood there half and half on his front foot. Overall, a very soft dismissal – running it down to first slip is a very peculiar way of getting out for a top batter” - he added.

The South African needs Cheteshwar Pujara to be more proactive and not pass up runs.&nbsp;

“That’s the thing I have seen lacking in Pujara. I’m so used to him rocking onto his back foot and playing with his hands and good foot movement. He’s kind of lost that part of his game. And if you’re only hanging on the front foot, good bowlers will not bowl half-volleys to you."

"And you’ve got to turn good balls into good shots. That’s the difference between Test cricket and first-class cricket. He’s missing out on a lot of runs there" - he added.

Cheteshwar Pujara averages a little more than 28 since the Australian visit in mid-2019. Although he played an urgent hand in India's victory in Down Under recently, he endured a droop during the series against England at home.

Dale Steyn noticed an extremely fascinating part of Cheteshwar Pujara's batting, which he feels is holding the Indian batsman down. Dale Steyn, who bowled to Chesteshwar Pujara during India's visit through South Africa in 2013, where the India batsman played a marvelous thump of 153 in the subsequent innings, feels that for reasons unknown, Chesteshwar Pujara has eliminated playing shots off his backfoot.

Dale Steyn noticed an extremely fascinating part of Cheteshwar Pujara's batting, which he feels is holding the Indian batsman down. Dale Steyn, who bowled to Chesteshwar Pujara during India's visit through South Africa in 2013, where the India batsman played a marvelous thump of 153 in the subsequent innings, feels that for reasons unknown, Chesteshwar Pujara has eliminated playing shots off his backfoot. South African pacer Dale Steyn trusts Cheteshwar Pujara has lost a piece of his game by eliminating playing shots off the back foot. Cheteshwar Pujara had a grim excursion in the last of the World Test Championship against New Zealand. He scored eight runs off 54 balls in the primary innings and following that with a 15 off 80 balls in the subsequent innings. India wound up losing the game by eight wickets. ALSO READ: India will use the Southampton Test as a spur to greater things, says VVS Laxman In a conversation with ESPNCricinfo, Dale Steyn said: “Out of my memory, I just remember Pujara playing great off his legs. Very, very good off his legs and eyes underneath the ball. But I do remember him playing some magical cut shots and back foot drives. Maybe on pitches that a little bit quicker – and Indian wickets are not quick – he played some beautiful balls underneath his eyes through the cover. It’s a part of the game that I feel he has lost." “That shot today that he played, if he was in a better position, a couple of years ago, maybe he would have gotten more on the back foot and punched it through the covers. Whereas he just stood there half and half on his front foot. Overall, a very soft dismissal – running it down to first slip is a very peculiar way of getting out for a top batter” - he added. The South African needs Cheteshwar Pujara to be more proactive and not pass up runs. “That’s the thing I have seen lacking in Pujara. I’m so used to him rocking onto his back foot and playing with his hands and good foot movement. He’s kind of lost that part of his game. And if you’re only hanging on the front foot, good bowlers will not bowl half-volleys to you." "And you’ve got to turn good balls into good shots. That’s the difference between Test cricket and first-class cricket. He’s missing out on a lot of runs there" - he added. Cheteshwar Pujara averages a little more than 28 since the Australian visit in mid-2019. Although he played an urgent hand in India's victory in Down Under recently, he endured a droop during the series against England at home.

Cricket: Cheteshwar Pujara has lost that part of his game, says Dale Steyn

Ace Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah has said that the ability to control his anger over the years has helped him take his game forward. Bumrah, who has been lauded for his humble persona on the field, added that while he would be smiling most of the time, there is a fire burning inside all the time.<o:p></o:p>

During Day 3 of the ICC World Test Championship final against New Zealand, Bumrah slipped near the boundary rope but rather than kicking the ground or showing other aggressive antics, Bumrah just smiled and moved on from the incident.<o:p></o:p>

Bumrah, opening up about his anger issues during his younger days, told ICC: “When I started playing cricket as a youngster, I used to get angry left, right, and center. I used to do all the gimmicks back then, and it never helped my cricket.”<o:p></o:p>

However, Bumrah has grown as a cricketer over the years since making his debut in 2016 and worked out what is best for him.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-maharaj-hat-trick-spins-south-africa-to-series-win-in-west-indies-393102" hreflang="en">Cricket: Maharaj hat-trick spins South Africa to series win in West Indies</a><o:p></o:p>

“Now, over the years, when I have played a good amount of international cricket, I have realized what works for me. I am smiling, but the fire inside is burning all the time,” added Bumrah.<o:p></o:p>

&nbsp;Bumrah is of the view that not showing aggression has helped him bring the best out of his game. <o:p></o:p>

“I don’t try to show (aggression), and it has helped me to succeed, and with that controlled aggression, I take my game forward,” said Bumrah.<o:p></o:p>

Bumrah is currently in action in the World Test Championship final against New Zealand. After a mediocre day with the ball on Day 3, the Indian pacer would want to scalp a few wickets on Day 5 to help India make a comeback in the match.<o:p></o:p>

Ace Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah has said that the ability to control his anger over the years has helped him take his game forward. Bumrah, who has been lauded for his humble persona on the field, added that while he would be smiling most of the time, there is a fire burning inside all the time.

Ace Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah has said that the ability to control his anger over the years has helped him take his game forward. Bumrah, who has been lauded for his humble persona on the field, added that while he would be smiling most of the time, there is a fire burning inside all the time. During Day 3 of the ICC World Test Championship final against New Zealand, Bumrah slipped near the boundary rope but rather than kicking the ground or showing other aggressive antics, Bumrah just smiled and moved on from the incident. Bumrah, opening up about his anger issues during his younger days, told ICC: “When I started playing cricket as a youngster, I used to get angry left, right, and center. I used to do all the gimmicks back then, and it never helped my cricket.” However, Bumrah has grown as a cricketer over the years since making his debut in 2016 and worked out what is best for him. ALSO READ: Cricket: Maharaj hat-trick spins South Africa to series win in West Indies “Now, over the years, when I have played a good amount of international cricket, I have realized what works for me. I am smiling, but the fire inside is burning all the time,” added Bumrah. Bumrah is of the view that not showing aggression has helped him bring the best out of his game. “I don’t try to show (aggression), and it has helped me to succeed, and with that controlled aggression, I take my game forward,” said Bumrah. Bumrah is currently in action in the World Test Championship final against New Zealand. After a mediocre day with the ball on Day 3, the Indian pacer would want to scalp a few wickets on Day 5 to help India make a comeback in the match.

Used to always get angry as youngster, which never helped my cricket, reveals Jasprit Bumrah

Simon Doull has explained the reasons&nbsp;for the Indian pacers' struggle on Day 3 of the World Test Championship final against New Zealand.

Doull said that Jasprit Bumrah and other Indian bowlers aren't genuine swing bowlers and rely more upon seam movement, hence couldn't match with their rivals in that ability.&nbsp;

India got two wickets from 49 overs on Sunday, with Ravichandran Ashwin and Ishant Sharma being the wicket-takers. Both Bumrah and Ishant looked flat with the new ball while Mohammed Shami looked in rhythm&nbsp;as the first change yet was unfortunate on most events.&nbsp;

Doull likewise added that he expected some more seam movement from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, yet they simply weren't adequately predictable.

In a conversation with Cricbuzz, Simon Doull said: "They are not genuine swing bowlers. We know Jasprit Bumrah can swing the ball, Ishant is more of a swing bowler nowadays, coming round-the-wicket he has that angled wrist with which he takes the ball away from the left-handers, into the right-handers. Mohammed Shami has never really been a genuine swing bowler and he's a seam bowler. That's why they weren't swinging the ball much. I did, however, expected the ball to seam a lot more. Shami and Bumrah at times found it but they probably weren't just consistent enough much like New Zealand weren't yesterday morning."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-sanjay-manjrekar-opines-on-rules-over-bad-light-says-it-can-be-bit-more-reasonable-392788" hreflang="en">Cricket: Sanjay Manjrekar opines on rules over bad light, says it can be 'bit more reasonable'</a>

New Zealand scored 116 runs at the fall of two wickets Tom Latham and Devon Conway. Captain Kane Williamson is standing firm at the&nbsp;close by experienced batsman Ross Taylor.&nbsp;

When asked whether the absence of match practice influenced India's build-up in the WTC final, Doull said that this rationale was presumably overthinking. He referred to New Zealand's two-match series against England which helped them with match-readiness, adding that he expected something similar from Team India. :

"New Zealand went into the first Test at Lord's against England, they had the very same preparation that India had coming into this Test - intra-squad matches, training, practices - and they looked pretty set and ready to go. Tim Southee bowled beautifully and Devon Conway came off ten days of the net session into a double hundred at Lord's. And I thought India would be exactly the same. I think at times you may overthink it and say, 'Did they have enough preparation?' I think they probably did. I am sure in the last 10-12 days they would have bowled enough deliveries to make sure they were raring to go."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-kyle-jamieson-surpasses-r-ashwin-nathan-lyon-with-most-five-wicket-hauls-in-world-test-championship-392787" hreflang="en">Cricket: Kyle Jamieson surpasses R Ashwin, Nathan Lyon with most five-wicket hauls in World Test Championship</a>

Simon Doull, nonetheless, additionally conceded that the lack of proper match practice has its own&nbsp;results.&nbsp;

"It's hard, though, when you can't simulate match practice. You try it in these intra-squad games but it just doesn't work. And that's the key - it's the genuinely hard match practice that makes you better and gets you ready for those matchups" - he concluded. &nbsp;

Simon Doull has explained the reasons for the Indian pacers' struggle on Day 3 of the World Test Championship final against New Zealand. Doull said that Jasprit Bumrah and other Indian bowlers aren't genuine swing bowlers and rely more upon seam movement, hence couldn't match with their rivals in that ability.

Simon Doull has explained the reasons for the Indian pacers' struggle on Day 3 of the World Test Championship final against New Zealand. Doull said that Jasprit Bumrah and other Indian bowlers aren't genuine swing bowlers and rely more upon seam movement, hence couldn't match with their rivals in that ability. India got two wickets from 49 overs on Sunday, with Ravichandran Ashwin and Ishant Sharma being the wicket-takers. Both Bumrah and Ishant looked flat with the new ball while Mohammed Shami looked in rhythm as the first change yet was unfortunate on most events. Doull likewise added that he expected some more seam movement from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, yet they simply weren't adequately predictable. In a conversation with Cricbuzz, Simon Doull said: "They are not genuine swing bowlers. We know Jasprit Bumrah can swing the ball, Ishant is more of a swing bowler nowadays, coming round-the-wicket he has that angled wrist with which he takes the ball away from the left-handers, into the right-handers. Mohammed Shami has never really been a genuine swing bowler and he's a seam bowler. That's why they weren't swinging the ball much. I did, however, expected the ball to seam a lot more. Shami and Bumrah at times found it but they probably weren't just consistent enough much like New Zealand weren't yesterday morning." ALSO READ: Cricket: Sanjay Manjrekar opines on rules over bad light, says it can be 'bit more reasonable' New Zealand scored 116 runs at the fall of two wickets Tom Latham and Devon Conway. Captain Kane Williamson is standing firm at the close by experienced batsman Ross Taylor. When asked whether the absence of match practice influenced India's build-up in the WTC final, Doull said that this rationale was presumably overthinking. He referred to New Zealand's two-match series against England which helped them with match-readiness, adding that he expected something similar from Team India. : "New Zealand went into the first Test at Lord's against England, they had the very same preparation that India had coming into this Test - intra-squad matches, training, practices - and they looked pretty set and ready to go. Tim Southee bowled beautifully and Devon Conway came off ten days of the net session into a double hundred at Lord's. And I thought India would be exactly the same. I think at times you may overthink it and say, 'Did they have enough preparation?' I think they probably did. I am sure in the last 10-12 days they would have bowled enough deliveries to make sure they were raring to go." ALSO READ: Cricket: Kyle Jamieson surpasses R Ashwin, Nathan Lyon with most five-wicket hauls in World Test Championship Simon Doull, nonetheless, additionally conceded that the lack of proper match practice has its own results. "It's hard, though, when you can't simulate match practice. You try it in these intra-squad games but it just doesn't work. And that's the key - it's the genuinely hard match practice that makes you better and gets you ready for those matchups" - he concluded.

WTC Final: Not genuine swing bowlers - Simon Doull explains Indian pacers' struggles

Brad Hogg trusts India's Test pillar Cheteshwar Pujara's failure to rotate strike in England could cause a touch of pressure to&nbsp;the batsman at the non-striker's end. Pujara's moderate batting has been a state of discussion for various years at this point and Brad Hogg offered his input on it.&nbsp;

The previous Australian left-arm wrist spinner feels that in spite of the fact that Pujara's low strike rate was viable against Australia Down Under, the ball will continue swinging in England for a more drawn-out timeframe. Hogg wants Pujara to be more proactive while batting in these intense conditions.&nbsp;

In a video on his YouTube channel, Brad Hogg clarified how the batsmen at the opposite end may feel the pressure if Cheteshwar Pujara can't bat with opportunity. He said:

"In Australia, the ball doesn't swing for long. But in England, the ball continues to swing even after it gets old and this is where Pujara's technique might cause more issues than not. It took a long time to get off the mark yesterday and if the batsman at the non-striker's end is in full flow, it is going to put pressure and that can create a bit of impatience and cause a wicket or two with his partner at the other end."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-sneh-rana-becomes-first-indian-cricketer-to-script-unique-record-on-test-debut-392722" hreflang="en">Cricket: Sneh Rana becomes first Indian cricketer to script unique record on Test debut</a>

In spite of the fact that Pujara battled in the first innings of the World Test Championship against New Zealand, Hogg feels his capacity to tire down the resistance bowlers will be key against England.&nbsp;

Pujara was viable in tiring down Australian bowlers in the course of the last two-Test series and was instrumental in assisting India with arising triumphant. With any semblance of Stuart Broad and James Anderson in their late 30s, Brad Hogg figures Cheteshwar Pujara's capacity to bat long will indeed be significant for India in their long arrangement.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-they-can-take-an-attack-away-vikram-rathour-lauds-rohit-sharma-shubman-gills-opening-pairing-392741" hreflang="en">WTC Final: 'They can take an attack away' - Vikram Rathour lauds Rohit Sharma-Shubman Gill's opening pairing</a>

"I like the aspect that he is willing to bat time. If he bats for a long period of time in the first innings, he will wear the opposition bowlers down. When you are going to come up against England in a five-match Test series, that first Test match, wearing the older bowlers down like Broad and Anderson is going to be key" - he concluded.

Brad Hogg trusts India's Test pillar Cheteshwar Pujara's failure to rotate strike in England could cause a touch of pressure to the batsman at the non-striker's end.

Brad Hogg trusts India's Test pillar Cheteshwar Pujara's failure to rotate strike in England could cause a touch of pressure to the batsman at the non-striker's end. Pujara's moderate batting has been a state of discussion for various years at this point and Brad Hogg offered his input on it. The previous Australian left-arm wrist spinner feels that in spite of the fact that Pujara's low strike rate was viable against Australia Down Under, the ball will continue swinging in England for a more drawn-out timeframe. Hogg wants Pujara to be more proactive while batting in these intense conditions. In a video on his YouTube channel, Brad Hogg clarified how the batsmen at the opposite end may feel the pressure if Cheteshwar Pujara can't bat with opportunity. He said: "In Australia, the ball doesn't swing for long. But in England, the ball continues to swing even after it gets old and this is where Pujara's technique might cause more issues than not. It took a long time to get off the mark yesterday and if the batsman at the non-striker's end is in full flow, it is going to put pressure and that can create a bit of impatience and cause a wicket or two with his partner at the other end." ALSO READ: Cricket: Sneh Rana becomes first Indian cricketer to script unique record on Test debut In spite of the fact that Pujara battled in the first innings of the World Test Championship against New Zealand, Hogg feels his capacity to tire down the resistance bowlers will be key against England. Pujara was viable in tiring down Australian bowlers in the course of the last two-Test series and was instrumental in assisting India with arising triumphant. With any semblance of Stuart Broad and James Anderson in their late 30s, Brad Hogg figures Cheteshwar Pujara's capacity to bat long will indeed be significant for India in their long arrangement. ALSO READ: WTC Final: 'They can take an attack away' - Vikram Rathour lauds Rohit Sharma-Shubman Gill's opening pairing "I like the aspect that he is willing to bat time. If he bats for a long period of time in the first innings, he will wear the opposition bowlers down. When you are going to come up against England in a five-match Test series, that first Test match, wearing the older bowlers down like Broad and Anderson is going to be key" - he concluded.

Cricket: Cheteshwar Pujara's technique can put pressure on non-striker, says Brad Hogg

Virat Kohli has by and large enlisted his resistance to the ICC's abrupt changes&nbsp;in rules for the debut World Test Championship points table. The Indian captain said his team had viewed itself as qualified before the framework came into force, and the change just made them more resolved to perform.&nbsp;

To relieve the COVID-19 pandemic's effect on the cricketing schedules, the ICC had moved to a percentage-based focuses framework in October last year. The amended guidelines implied India lost their top position and staggered to the third position.

Ahead of the WTC final, Kohli&nbsp;spoke of how his team assumed its part obediently by partaking in all the series introduced to it.

"It wasn't supposed to be a topsy-turvy ride, to be honest. When you are sitting at home and the rules change suddenly you get confused as to what happened. Without anyone's control, we did not miss or choose to miss any series through the course of the World Test Championship apart from the scheduling that wasn't done at all. We pretty much played everything that was presented to us," said the Indian skipper.

"And yeah, in our minds, we had qualified way before things got complicated anyway. That just gave us more determination and more clarity as to where we want to go and what we want to achieve," he said.

Kohli additionally took a gander at the positive side of the issues, declaring that the difference in rules kept the group from getting careless and made them much more eager to win.

"So, looking back now, it was probably a good thing that happened. There was no room for complacency. If we had qualified earlier maybe we would have relaxed a little bit but the situation allowed us to be more hungry and more determined and know exactly what was going at that moment and use that as a fueling factor and a motivation to keep moving forward regardless of whatever was going on the outside," he added.

Kohli suggested changes to the WTC rules, including some guidelines against the groups who didn't take an interest in the scheduled arrangement. He added that the general idea of the WTC is a positive step and pervades Test cricket with context and a more anima.&nbsp;

"Firstly, not for the rules to change overnight. That'll be helpful if there's more clarity around what's happening and which direction we are heading into and you know also for the teams who haven't played series for some reasons to have some kind of ruling there as to what happens after," he said.

"For me, it's been a very positive step in the right direction because you understand that in every series you are playing and competing for something and there's no room for complacency, or for playing out an easy draw. If you can afford to go for a few points, you'll go for them. I think it's a step in the right direction for Test cricket," he added.

&nbsp;

Virat Kohli has by and large enlisted his resistance to the ICC's abrupt changes in rules for the debut World Test Championship points table. The Indian captain said his team had viewed itself as qualified before the framework came into force, and the change just made them more resolved to perform.

Virat Kohli has by and large enlisted his resistance to the ICC's abrupt changes in rules for the debut World Test Championship points table. The Indian captain said his team had viewed itself as qualified before the framework came into force, and the change just made them more resolved to perform. To relieve the COVID-19 pandemic's effect on the cricketing schedules, the ICC had moved to a percentage-based focuses framework in October last year. The amended guidelines implied India lost their top position and staggered to the third position. Ahead of the WTC final, Kohli spoke of how his team assumed its part obediently by partaking in all the series introduced to it. "It wasn't supposed to be a topsy-turvy ride, to be honest. When you are sitting at home and the rules change suddenly you get confused as to what happened. Without anyone's control, we did not miss or choose to miss any series through the course of the World Test Championship apart from the scheduling that wasn't done at all. We pretty much played everything that was presented to us," said the Indian skipper. "And yeah, in our minds, we had qualified way before things got complicated anyway. That just gave us more determination and more clarity as to where we want to go and what we want to achieve," he said. Kohli additionally took a gander at the positive side of the issues, declaring that the difference in rules kept the group from getting careless and made them much more eager to win. "So, looking back now, it was probably a good thing that happened. There was no room for complacency. If we had qualified earlier maybe we would have relaxed a little bit but the situation allowed us to be more hungry and more determined and know exactly what was going at that moment and use that as a fueling factor and a motivation to keep moving forward regardless of whatever was going on the outside," he added. Kohli suggested changes to the WTC rules, including some guidelines against the groups who didn't take an interest in the scheduled arrangement. He added that the general idea of the WTC is a positive step and pervades Test cricket with context and a more anima. "Firstly, not for the rules to change overnight. That'll be helpful if there's more clarity around what's happening and which direction we are heading into and you know also for the teams who haven't played series for some reasons to have some kind of ruling there as to what happens after," he said. "For me, it's been a very positive step in the right direction because you understand that in every series you are playing and competing for something and there's no room for complacency, or for playing out an easy draw. If you can afford to go for a few points, you'll go for them. I think it's a step in the right direction for Test cricket," he added.

World Test Championship a very positive step in the right direction, says Virat Kohli

The World Test Championship final among India and New Zealand hit a downpour detour even before the throw could occur at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on Friday. Nonstop downpour since Thursday evening implied the first day of the WTC final was called off.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-twitteratis-lash-out-at-icc-as-rain-play-spoilsport-in-wtc-final-392417" hreflang="en">Cricket: Twitteratis lash out at ICC as rain play spoilsport in WTC final</a>

The toss for the World Test Championship final was additionally been deferred because of the climate conditions. It might have been held after lunch had the conditions improved. In any case, Day 1 was called off without a ball being bowled.

The reserve day or sixth day will authoritatively happen thirty minutes into the second session i.e 6:40 pm IST. The two and a half long stretches of play previously lost can be made up throughout the following five days with 30 minutes of a solid beginning on every day.&nbsp;

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UPDATE - Unfortunately, play on Day 1 has been called off due to rains. 10.30 AM local time start tomorrow.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTC21?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTC21</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1405884532323201031?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"The Reserve Day has been scheduled to ensure five full days of play, and it will only be used if lost playing time cannot be recovered through the normal provisions of making up lost time each day,” ICC in a release while announcing the playing conditions for the WTC final.

Assuming, notwithstanding, an outcome isn't accomplished even after the additional 30 minutes consistently and the full save day, then, at that point, the two India and New Zealand will share the WTC title.&nbsp;The 6th day, in the event that it is utilized, will include a limit of 330 minutes or 83 overs in addition to the actual last hour.

“There will be no additional day's play if a positive result is not achieved after five full days of play and the match will be declared a draw in such a scenario," the ICC release on the playing conditions read.

The World Test Championship final among India and New Zealand hit a downpour detour even before the throw could occur at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on Friday. Nonstop downpour since Thursday evening implied the first day of the WTC final was called off.

The World Test Championship final among India and New Zealand hit a downpour detour even before the throw could occur at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on Friday. Nonstop downpour since Thursday evening implied the first day of the WTC final was called off. ALSO READ: Cricket: Twitteratis lash out at ICC as rain play spoilsport in WTC final The toss for the World Test Championship final was additionally been deferred because of the climate conditions. It might have been held after lunch had the conditions improved. In any case, Day 1 was called off without a ball being bowled. The reserve day or sixth day will authoritatively happen thirty minutes into the second session i.e 6:40 pm IST. The two and a half long stretches of play previously lost can be made up throughout the following five days with 30 minutes of a solid beginning on every day. UPDATE - Unfortunately, play on Day 1 has been called off due to rains. 10.30 AM local time start tomorrow.#WTC21 — BCCI (@BCCI) June 18, 2021 × "The Reserve Day has been scheduled to ensure five full days of play, and it will only be used if lost playing time cannot be recovered through the normal provisions of making up lost time each day,” ICC in a release while announcing the playing conditions for the WTC final. Assuming, notwithstanding, an outcome isn't accomplished even after the additional 30 minutes consistently and the full save day, then, at that point, the two India and New Zealand will share the WTC title. The 6th day, in the event that it is utilized, will include a limit of 330 minutes or 83 overs in addition to the actual last hour. “There will be no additional day's play if a positive result is not achieved after five full days of play and the match will be declared a draw in such a scenario," the ICC release on the playing conditions read.

WTC Final: Reserve day will be used in India vs New Zealand clash as rain wipes off Day 1

India captain Virat Kohli and New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson on Thursday reflected on their team’s journey in the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle as the two top sides gear up for the grand finale, to be played in Southampton from Friday. <o:p></o:p>

Indian skipper Kohli said that a one-off Test match to determine the winner of WTC is not a “true reflection” of his team while adding he is treating it as “just another” match. With the Test Mace on the line, Kohli isn’t too bothered about winning or losing the match yet and wants to enjoy the occasion of being in the inaugural edition of the WTC.<o:p></o:p>

“One game over five days. It’s not going to reflect anything and those who understand the game know and also what has gone over the period of last four to five years," Kohli said on the eve of the big final against the Black Caps.<o:p></o:p>

“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.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-mohammed-siraj-misses-out-as-india-announce-playing-xi-for-wtc-final-392210" hreflang="en">Cricket: Mohammed Siraj misses out as India announce playing XI for WTC Final</a><o:p></o:p>

“This is just another Test match. All these things (WTC final) look good from the outside. One game can’t become a do-or-die game. It’s a great moment but cricket goes on just like life goes on."<o:p></o:p>

“The occasion needs to be enjoyed and no more important than the first Test that we all played as young players trying to rise through the ranks.<o:p></o:p>

“We need to have belief in our abilities and keep things simple. It’s a contest between bat and ball."<o:p></o:p>

Whereas Williamson reflected on New Zealand’s growth as a powerhouse team over the years but said that he is not reading too much into the ‘favourites’ tag given to his team.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-collective-strength-of-team-india-stands-out-for-me-sachin-tendulkar-ahead-of-wtc-final-392197" hreflang="en">Exclusive | 'Collective strength of Team India stands out for me': Sachin Tendulkar ahead of WTC Final</a><o:p></o:p>

“There’s been a lot of growth over a period of time so many challenges along the way every day but the team has bought into it and tried to move past those with a good attitude," Williamson said on the eve of the final.<o:p></o:p>

“There is lot of hard work done over a long period of time to find ourselves here in the first final (of WTC).<o:p></o:p>

“It’s exciting but for us it’s just focusing on continuing that growth and trying to keep committing to the parts of our game that give us the best chance and that’s where I know the guys will be focusing on. We are trying to look at the long game and try and improve all the time."<o:p></o:p>

India captain Virat Kohli and New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson on Thursday reflected on their team’s journey in the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle as the two top sides gear up for the grand finale, to be played in Southampton from Friday.

India captain Virat Kohli and New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson on Thursday reflected on their team’s journey in the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle as the two top sides gear up for the grand finale, to be played in Southampton from Friday. Indian skipper Kohli said that a one-off Test match to determine the winner of WTC is not a “true reflection” of his team while adding he is treating it as “just another” match. With the Test Mace on the line, Kohli isn’t too bothered about winning or losing the match yet and wants to enjoy the occasion of being in the inaugural edition of the WTC. “One game over five days. It’s not going to reflect anything and those who understand the game know and also what has gone over the period of last four to five years," Kohli said on the eve of the big final against the Black Caps. “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. ALSO READ: Cricket: Mohammed Siraj misses out as India announce playing XI for WTC Final “This is just another Test match. All these things (WTC final) look good from the outside. One game can’t become a do-or-die game. It’s a great moment but cricket goes on just like life goes on." “The occasion needs to be enjoyed and no more important than the first Test that we all played as young players trying to rise through the ranks. “We need to have belief in our abilities and keep things simple. It’s a contest between bat and ball." Whereas Williamson reflected on New Zealand’s growth as a powerhouse team over the years but said that he is not reading too much into the ‘favourites’ tag given to his team. ALSO READ: Exclusive | 'Collective strength of Team India stands out for me': Sachin Tendulkar ahead of WTC Final “There’s been a lot of growth over a period of time so many challenges along the way every day but the team has bought into it and tried to move past those with a good attitude," Williamson said on the eve of the final. “There is lot of hard work done over a long period of time to find ourselves here in the first final (of WTC). “It’s exciting but for us it’s just focusing on continuing that growth and trying to keep committing to the parts of our game that give us the best chance and that’s where I know the guys will be focusing on. We are trying to look at the long game and try and improve all the time."

Cricket: WTC Final - Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson gear up for ultimate prize in Test cricket

India and New Zealand face off in the first-ever ICC World Test Championship final from Friday. The one-off match at Southampton's Rose Bowl is the culmination of a two-year cycle that also saw a new points format introduced to cater to the COVID-19 disruptions. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar sets up the clash in a conversation with Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo.

Exclusive: Sachin Tendulkar previews India-New Zealand ICC World Test Championship final

Sachin Tendulkar, the solitary cricketer to play 200 Tests, scored the first of his 100 global tons as a 17-year-old while visiting England in 1990. He is one of only a handful few batsmen who have supported conditions worldwide and averages more than 40 in each country he has played.&nbsp;

Ahead of the World Test Championship finale, Sachin Tendulkar illuminated Rohit Sharma's approach as an opener against the Duke ball. The cricket legend expects Rohit Sharma to begin carefully prior to pushing on the accelerator.&nbsp;

It has scarcely been eighteen months since Rohit Sharma opened consistently in Test cricket. He hasn't played a Test in England in seven years and has no insight as an opener against the Duke ball.&nbsp;

Opening in England is intense, yet Sachin Tendulkar accepts that Rohit Sharma will control his normally forceful impulses when he ventures out to bat against the quality New Zealand seamers.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-might-have-retired-had-new-zealand-won-2019-world-cup-ross-taylor-391697" hreflang="en">Cricket - Might have retired had New Zealand won 2019 World Cup: Ross Taylor</a>

In a conversation with ANI, Sachin Tendulkar said: "Rohit is smart that way and understands when to press the accelerator. He is not someone who is going to go from ball one. He is going to kind of understand the conditions, how the pitch is playing and who is bowling well and then I won't be surprised if he targets someone who is not getting his rhythm on that day."

"But, up front to do that, I don't think that would be Rohit's game plan. It would be just to play out the first few overs and see what is happening. Once you have assessed that, then you know who to target."

Communicating his "thrill" at India's exhibition at the debut World Test Championship, Sachin Tendulkar called the Australian visit through 2020-21.

"I am thrilled. This is the World Test Championship, and to be able to get there in the top two, speaks volumes about how the team has performed. It is simply outstanding, and the icing on the cake has to be the Australian trip. There were so many injuries; like 10-11 players were missing on that tour, and despite that, we were able to deliver the knockout punch, which was incredible" - he&nbsp;added.

Sachin Tendulkar, the solitary cricketer to play 200 Tests, scored the first of his 100 global tons as a 17-year-old while visiting England in 1990. He is one of only a handful few batsmen who have supported conditions worldwide and averages more than 40 in each country he has played.

Sachin Tendulkar, the solitary cricketer to play 200 Tests, scored the first of his 100 global tons as a 17-year-old while visiting England in 1990. He is one of only a handful few batsmen who have supported conditions worldwide and averages more than 40 in each country he has played. Ahead of the World Test Championship finale, Sachin Tendulkar illuminated Rohit Sharma's approach as an opener against the Duke ball. The cricket legend expects Rohit Sharma to begin carefully prior to pushing on the accelerator. It has scarcely been eighteen months since Rohit Sharma opened consistently in Test cricket. He hasn't played a Test in England in seven years and has no insight as an opener against the Duke ball. Opening in England is intense, yet Sachin Tendulkar accepts that Rohit Sharma will control his normally forceful impulses when he ventures out to bat against the quality New Zealand seamers. ALSO READ: Cricket - Might have retired had New Zealand won 2019 World Cup: Ross Taylor In a conversation with ANI, Sachin Tendulkar said: "Rohit is smart that way and understands when to press the accelerator. He is not someone who is going to go from ball one. He is going to kind of understand the conditions, how the pitch is playing and who is bowling well and then I won't be surprised if he targets someone who is not getting his rhythm on that day." "But, up front to do that, I don't think that would be Rohit's game plan. It would be just to play out the first few overs and see what is happening. Once you have assessed that, then you know who to target." Communicating his "thrill" at India's exhibition at the debut World Test Championship, Sachin Tendulkar called the Australian visit through 2020-21. "I am thrilled. This is the World Test Championship, and to be able to get there in the top two, speaks volumes about how the team has performed. It is simply outstanding, and the icing on the cake has to be the Australian trip. There were so many injuries; like 10-11 players were missing on that tour, and despite that, we were able to deliver the knockout punch, which was incredible" - he added.

Cricket: Rohit Sharma understands when to press accelerator, says Sachin Tendulkar

BJ Watling will retire after the World Test Championship final against India at Southampton. Making his debut as an expert opening batsman in the 2009-10 season, BJ Watling developed into one of the best wicketkeeper-players in Test cricket. Wearing the gloves since 2012, he has arisen as New Zealand's best wicketkeeper-batsman.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-icc-announces-star-studded-commentary-panel-for-wtc-final-391597" hreflang="en">Cricket: ICC announces star-studded commentary panel for WTC Final</a>

The South Africa-conceived cricketer has played 73 Tests for New Zealand, scoring 3,789 runs at an average of 37.89, enlisting eight centuries. One of the best wicket-keeper of the time, BJ Watling likewise has 270 dismissals 262 catches, and eight stumpings to his name.&nbsp;

Gary Stead while addressing a virtual press conference said:&nbsp;“BJ is a fantastic player, a great team man. He’s turned himself into, I think, one of the best keeper-batsmen in the world over the past 10 years of him playing. Let’s also remember he was a manufactured keeper as such, it wasn’t his first thing to do. The way he’s developed himself and continued to look to get better over that period of time is pretty amazing. I don’t think we as a team will realize how much we’ll miss BJ in the dressing room and in the role he is in until he’s not there. He’s a quiet individual but when he speaks, people listen. He’s very popular among the whole team. He will be a sad loss for us but we want to celebrate in style hopefully, and send him out on the right note.”

The Test series win against England has helped New Zealand's certainty ahead of the World Test Championship last, however, head coach Gary Stead isn't willing to lay on the shrubs and demands that it will be an extreme fight against India.&nbsp;

“For us, it has been an interesting road getting here and we have played some good cricket over the past couple of years to get here. But we are aware of the strength of the Indian side and they are worthy finalists. We are looking forward to the battle” - he said.

“As a coach, I am pleased that we had some time here and had a couple of Test matches. I think it is good for us in getting ready for this Test match” - he added.

Discussing New Zealand's pace bowling attack, Stead conceded: 
“It is a nice problem to have” ahead of the big game. “Matt Henry bowled beautifully in that Test against England. He has been in the group more recently as a backup option for us. We know Matt’s ability as well and especially in English condition, he can provide, guess a little bit of a point of difference over other guys with his ability to swing the ball. Colin de Grandehomme came back in the squad of 15, so we have really got six seamers we can choose from for this final” - he added.

"I am not sure if it is an advantage or disadvantage really, it is nice that we have managed to get over her and play some cricket," said Gary Stead when asked if it was an advantage for New Zealand.

Stead remembered to specify that abbreviated IPL additionally implied that India's top stars got time to spruce up which wouldn't have been the situation if the T20 association would have proceeded till the end of May.&nbsp;

"I guess the advantage for India is that IPL being shortened, or people would still be playing from the Indian team. So it is a little bit of a different situation for us."

BJ Watling will retire after the World Test Championship final against India at Southampton. Making his debut as an expert opening batsman in the 2009-10 season, BJ Watling developed into one of the best wicketkeeper-players in Test cricket.

BJ Watling will retire after the World Test Championship final against India at Southampton. Making his debut as an expert opening batsman in the 2009-10 season, BJ Watling developed into one of the best wicketkeeper-players in Test cricket. Wearing the gloves since 2012, he has arisen as New Zealand's best wicketkeeper-batsman. ALSO READ: Cricket: ICC announces star-studded commentary panel for WTC Final The South Africa-conceived cricketer has played 73 Tests for New Zealand, scoring 3,789 runs at an average of 37.89, enlisting eight centuries. One of the best wicket-keeper of the time, BJ Watling likewise has 270 dismissals 262 catches, and eight stumpings to his name. Gary Stead while addressing a virtual press conference said: “BJ is a fantastic player, a great team man. He’s turned himself into, I think, one of the best keeper-batsmen in the world over the past 10 years of him playing. Let’s also remember he was a manufactured keeper as such, it wasn’t his first thing to do. The way he’s developed himself and continued to look to get better over that period of time is pretty amazing. I don’t think we as a team will realize how much we’ll miss BJ in the dressing room and in the role he is in until he’s not there. He’s a quiet individual but when he speaks, people listen. He’s very popular among the whole team. He will be a sad loss for us but we want to celebrate in style hopefully, and send him out on the right note.” The Test series win against England has helped New Zealand's certainty ahead of the World Test Championship last, however, head coach Gary Stead isn't willing to lay on the shrubs and demands that it will be an extreme fight against India. “For us, it has been an interesting road getting here and we have played some good cricket over the past couple of years to get here. But we are aware of the strength of the Indian side and they are worthy finalists. We are looking forward to the battle” - he said. “As a coach, I am pleased that we had some time here and had a couple of Test matches. I think it is good for us in getting ready for this Test match” - he added. Discussing New Zealand's pace bowling attack, Stead conceded: “It is a nice problem to have” ahead of the big game. “Matt Henry bowled beautifully in that Test against England. He has been in the group more recently as a backup option for us. We know Matt’s ability as well and especially in English condition, he can provide, guess a little bit of a point of difference over other guys with his ability to swing the ball. Colin de Grandehomme came back in the squad of 15, so we have really got six seamers we can choose from for this final” - he added. "I am not sure if it is an advantage or disadvantage really, it is nice that we have managed to get over her and play some cricket," said Gary Stead when asked if it was an advantage for New Zealand. Stead remembered to specify that abbreviated IPL additionally implied that India's top stars got time to spruce up which wouldn't have been the situation if the T20 association would have proceeded till the end of May. "I guess the advantage for India is that IPL being shortened, or people would still be playing from the Indian team. So it is a little bit of a different situation for us."

Cricket: BJ Watling is a fantastic player, a great team man: NZ head coach Gary Stead

Sachin Tendulkar has pushed for an 'ICC World Test Championship Final Series' rather than a one-off match.&nbsp;India and New Zealand will go facing each other in the final of the World Test Championship at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, which begins on June 18.&nbsp;

Tendulkar feels a WTC final series would be ideal to crown the victor. Expressing the explanation, the batting maestro referred to that each group has played in a few Test series including a few matches to get to this point.&nbsp;

In a conversation with Times of India, Sachin Tendulkar said: “In the case of Test cricket, to get to the final, you’re playing two or three-Test series, or for that matter, against four matches in a series. And then you play just one Test to decide the championship."

"Where’s the continuity? It should actually be a World Test Championship series, not just one match. Because to get to this point, you’ve played Test series involving two or three Tests or more. So, it shouldn’t have just been a World Test Championship Final but the World Test Championship Final Series. Because you’ve played series to get to this point.”&nbsp;

Nonetheless, the International Cricket Council has expressed a three-match arrangement is improbable even later on due to the rigorous plan followed by the global cricket schedule.&nbsp;

Numerous previous cricketers have supported the Black Caps to begin the much-awaited inaugural Final as top choices. Tendulkar additionally feels playing two matches against England paving the way to the WTC final will give New Zealand some edge over the Indians.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-rohit-to-struggle-against-swing-wagner-could-be-used-to-target-kohli-says-styris-391465" hreflang="en">WTC Final: Rohit to struggle against swing, Wagner could be used to target Kohli, says Styris</a>

“This is, without any doubt, another way to look at it. New Zealand will have that slight edge because they’ve played the two Tests against England while India hasn’t had practice matches except for playing between themselves” - he added.

Sachin Tendulkar feels the recently concluded series among England and New Zealand might have occurred after the WTC final as it no affected the worldwide competition.&nbsp;

“I don’t know when New Zealand vs England series was decided. I’d like to believe that it was decided way in advance, way before New Zealand booked their spot in the Final. Maybe it’s a coincidence. This England vs New Zealand series was not going to contribute to the WTC Final. So, maybe the WTC Final first and then this series could have been staged” - he signed off.

Sachin Tendulkar has pushed for an 'ICC World Test Championship Final Series' rather than a one-off match. India and New Zealand will go facing each other in the final of the World Test Championship at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, which begins on June 18.

Sachin Tendulkar has pushed for an 'ICC World Test Championship Final Series' rather than a one-off match. India and New Zealand will go facing each other in the final of the World Test Championship at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, which begins on June 18. Tendulkar feels a WTC final series would be ideal to crown the victor. Expressing the explanation, the batting maestro referred to that each group has played in a few Test series including a few matches to get to this point. In a conversation with Times of India, Sachin Tendulkar said: “In the case of Test cricket, to get to the final, you’re playing two or three-Test series, or for that matter, against four matches in a series. And then you play just one Test to decide the championship." "Where’s the continuity? It should actually be a World Test Championship series, not just one match. Because to get to this point, you’ve played Test series involving two or three Tests or more. So, it shouldn’t have just been a World Test Championship Final but the World Test Championship Final Series. Because you’ve played series to get to this point.” Nonetheless, the International Cricket Council has expressed a three-match arrangement is improbable even later on due to the rigorous plan followed by the global cricket schedule. Numerous previous cricketers have supported the Black Caps to begin the much-awaited inaugural Final as top choices. Tendulkar additionally feels playing two matches against England paving the way to the WTC final will give New Zealand some edge over the Indians. ALSO READ: WTC Final: Rohit to struggle against swing, Wagner could be used to target Kohli, says Styris “This is, without any doubt, another way to look at it. New Zealand will have that slight edge because they’ve played the two Tests against England while India hasn’t had practice matches except for playing between themselves” - he added. Sachin Tendulkar feels the recently concluded series among England and New Zealand might have occurred after the WTC final as it no affected the worldwide competition. “I don’t know when New Zealand vs England series was decided. I’d like to believe that it was decided way in advance, way before New Zealand booked their spot in the Final. Maybe it’s a coincidence. This England vs New Zealand series was not going to contribute to the WTC Final. So, maybe the WTC Final first and then this series could have been staged” - he signed off.

Cricket: Should have been WTC Final 'series' and not just WTC Final, says Sachin Tendulkar

Without precedent for more than 2,400 days, the women's team will challenge a Test, against England Women in Bristol beginning Wednesday, June 16.

India skipper Mithali Raj believes the scheduled Test matches against England and Australia later in the year lead to a multi-format series turning into the standard and in the end a World Test Championship for the women's game.&nbsp;

Addressing the media just before the one-off Test against England in Bristol, Mithali Raj said: "I feel that this Test and the pink ball Test in Australia opens the channel to have a three format bilateral series. You ask any modern-day cricketer, they eventually want to play the longer format. Maybe in the coming years, it might lead to a World Test Championship. We have points too, in this series, so it's going to be exciting and we're looking forward to it."

India are additionally on the cusp of exceptional achievement. Having won its last three Tests, two against England and one against South Africa, a fourth will see Mithali Raj and Co. level with Australia for the most continuous Test match triumphs. Be that as it may, the captain isn't really thinking about it as well.&nbsp;

"I am not looking at any record. It never crossed any of our minds. We just want to go out and take it session by session. We want to get in with a good confident mind out there" - she added.

Mithali Raj and a youthful crew - the vast majority of whom are set to make their Test debut in Bristol - are facing England again, with scarcely any red-ball practice.

Mithali, who has just played 10 Tests in a vocation crossing more than twenty years, is adhering to the positives.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-preview-long-wait-comes-to-an-end-as-india-women-face-england-women-in-one-off-test-391636" hreflang="en">Cricket - Preview: Long wait comes to an end as India Women face England Women in one-off Test</a>

"Competitively I've played lesser Tests. I would have liked to play more Tests. I won't get down to thinking if my game has evolved. My preparation has been going on. Talking to other cricketers who have played this format is helping me prepare for this Test" - she said.

Given that this squad prevalently plays white-ball cricket and the tight window, the Indian training staff is zeroing in on the mental health of the team, especially the adolescents.&nbsp;

"We did brief them about how the long format is played. For someone who is making their debut, we don't want to burden them with pressure or responsibility. Thy should enjoy playing" - she added.&nbsp;

Harmanpreet Kaur, the vice-captain had the option to have a discussion with her male counterpart&nbsp;Ajinkya Rahane and Mithali Raj says these channels have been worked with inside too.

"Ramesh got the seniors to speak to other players who aren't as experienced. Jhulan is talking to the fast bowlers, I am speaking to the batters" - she said.

Without precedent for more than 2,400 days, the women's team will challenge a Test, against England Women in Bristol beginning Wednesday, June 16. India skipper Mithali Raj believes the scheduled Test matches against England and Australia later in the year lead to a multi-format series turning into the standard and in the end a World Test Championship for the women's game.

Without precedent for more than 2,400 days, the women's team will challenge a Test, against England Women in Bristol beginning Wednesday, June 16. India skipper Mithali Raj believes the scheduled Test matches against England and Australia later in the year lead to a multi-format series turning into the standard and in the end a World Test Championship for the women's game. Addressing the media just before the one-off Test against England in Bristol, Mithali Raj said: "I feel that this Test and the pink ball Test in Australia opens the channel to have a three format bilateral series. You ask any modern-day cricketer, they eventually want to play the longer format. Maybe in the coming years, it might lead to a World Test Championship. We have points too, in this series, so it's going to be exciting and we're looking forward to it." India are additionally on the cusp of exceptional achievement. Having won its last three Tests, two against England and one against South Africa, a fourth will see Mithali Raj and Co. level with Australia for the most continuous Test match triumphs. Be that as it may, the captain isn't really thinking about it as well. "I am not looking at any record. It never crossed any of our minds. We just want to go out and take it session by session. We want to get in with a good confident mind out there" - she added. Mithali Raj and a youthful crew - the vast majority of whom are set to make their Test debut in Bristol - are facing England again, with scarcely any red-ball practice. Mithali, who has just played 10 Tests in a vocation crossing more than twenty years, is adhering to the positives. ALSO READ: Cricket - Preview: Long wait comes to an end as India Women face England Women in one-off Test "Competitively I've played lesser Tests. I would have liked to play more Tests. I won't get down to thinking if my game has evolved. My preparation has been going on. Talking to other cricketers who have played this format is helping me prepare for this Test" - she said. Given that this squad prevalently plays white-ball cricket and the tight window, the Indian training staff is zeroing in on the mental health of the team, especially the adolescents. "We did brief them about how the long format is played. For someone who is making their debut, we don't want to burden them with pressure or responsibility. Thy should enjoy playing" - she added. Harmanpreet Kaur, the vice-captain had the option to have a discussion with her male counterpart Ajinkya Rahane and Mithali Raj says these channels have been worked with inside too. "Ramesh got the seniors to speak to other players who aren't as experienced. Jhulan is talking to the fast bowlers, I am speaking to the batters" - she said.

In future, women's cricket could have a World Test Championship: Mithali Raj

VVS Laxman praised the International Cricket Council for acquainting the World Test Championship by keeping the significance of Test cricket in context.

"The World Test Championship is a welcome addition to the cricketing landscape. I must compliment the International Cricket Council for lending greater context and relevance to the longer format. Especially for players like me who never played in a World Cup, to be able to compete in a World Championship is massive. I know cricket has evolved tremendously and we have made a lot of adjustments to provide entertainment and enjoyment to the fans, but it is important to make sure that we also look after the players. Towards that end, the WTC is a step in the right direction."

Although, VVS Laxman wants to see some changes be carried out in the following pattern of the World Test Championship. He wants all Test having countries to be a part of the occasion, proposing groups could be parted into two gatherings of six to oblige the new contestants.&nbsp;

The inaugural edition of the World Test Championship will attract to a nearby with the India versus New Zealand final this week. A sum of nine countries partook in the principal version of the competition, with Ireland, Afghanistan, and Zimbabwe missing out.&nbsp;

In his column for The Times of India, VVS Laxman clarified how adding more countries could improve Test cricket all in all.&nbsp;

"I would like a few changes, though, to make it more inclusive and competitive. While the two-year cycle is just about right, I feel all 12 Test-playing nations should be a part of the competition. Maybe they could be split into two groups of six, with the two group toppers playing a best-of-three final. What that will mean is that the teams ranked in the bottom half of the ICC Test ratings can host some of the top sides, which will not only reignite interest in those respective countries but also bolster their financial resources. Otherwise, it will be extremely difficult to bridge the already humongous gulf between the big names and the rest.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-new-zealand-announce-15-member-squad-for-wtc-final-versus-india-391560" hreflang="en">Cricket: New Zealand announce 15-member squad for WTC Final versus India</a>

The ICC as of late declared plans to make cricket more comprehensive, with the ODI World Cup in the following cycle growing to a 14-group occasion. The T20 World Cup will include 20 groups later on, and more groups playing Test cricket will surely help in globalising the game.&nbsp;

Nonetheless, VVS Laxman's idea to make the World Test Championship Final a three-Test shootout may not be a practical suggestion. ICC acting CEO Geoff Allardice as of late guaranteed that a best-of-three last was impractically attributable to a stuffed worldwide schedule.&nbsp;

The CEO additionally asserted that the points system for the following release of the World Test Championship Final will be changed, with equivalent focuses granted for wins independent of the length of the arrangement. VVS Laxman made a comparative idea in his segment, itemising how ICC could change the current framework.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-should-have-been-wtc-final-series-and-not-just-wtc-final-says-sachin-tendulkar-391562" hreflang="en">Cricket: Should&nbsp;have been WTC&nbsp;Final 'series' and not just WTC&nbsp;Final, says Sachin Tendulkar</a>

"The points system could do with a tweak as well. Perhaps the way to go would be to cap all WTC series at three matches. The marquee series, like the Ashes or India vs England or Australia, could still be over four or five Tests, but only the first three should be taken into consideration for points for the WTC. That will remove the inequity that exists now, where the same number of points are offered for both a two-Test and a five-Test series."

VVS Laxman nonetheless, doesn't need a static focuses scoring framework. He wants teams to be compensated with extra points in the event that they figure out how to win away from home.&nbsp;

"I'd like to see additional weightage given for wins overseas. It's definitely not easy winning at home, but you have an edge because you know your conditions. Winning away is that much more challenging, and should come with a greater reward” - he added.&nbsp;

The new World Test Championship cycle will begin with India versus England series in August. The ICC will declare the framework of the new points system before the series however affirmed they will stay with the parentage of the points system to choose the positions.

VVS Laxman praised the International Cricket Council for acquainting the World Test Championship by keeping the significance of Test cricket in context. "The World Test Championship is a welcome addition to the cricketing landscape.

VVS Laxman praised the International Cricket Council for acquainting the World Test Championship by keeping the significance of Test cricket in context. "The World Test Championship is a welcome addition to the cricketing landscape. I must compliment the International Cricket Council for lending greater context and relevance to the longer format. Especially for players like me who never played in a World Cup, to be able to compete in a World Championship is massive. I know cricket has evolved tremendously and we have made a lot of adjustments to provide entertainment and enjoyment to the fans, but it is important to make sure that we also look after the players. Towards that end, the WTC is a step in the right direction." Although, VVS Laxman wants to see some changes be carried out in the following pattern of the World Test Championship. He wants all Test having countries to be a part of the occasion, proposing groups could be parted into two gatherings of six to oblige the new contestants. The inaugural edition of the World Test Championship will attract to a nearby with the India versus New Zealand final this week. A sum of nine countries partook in the principal version of the competition, with Ireland, Afghanistan, and Zimbabwe missing out. In his column for The Times of India, VVS Laxman clarified how adding more countries could improve Test cricket all in all. "I would like a few changes, though, to make it more inclusive and competitive. While the two-year cycle is just about right, I feel all 12 Test-playing nations should be a part of the competition. Maybe they could be split into two groups of six, with the two group toppers playing a best-of-three final. What that will mean is that the teams ranked in the bottom half of the ICC Test ratings can host some of the top sides, which will not only reignite interest in those respective countries but also bolster their financial resources. Otherwise, it will be extremely difficult to bridge the already humongous gulf between the big names and the rest.” ALSO READ: Cricket: New Zealand announce 15-member squad for WTC Final versus India The ICC as of late declared plans to make cricket more comprehensive, with the ODI World Cup in the following cycle growing to a 14-group occasion. The T20 World Cup will include 20 groups later on, and more groups playing Test cricket will surely help in globalising the game. Nonetheless, VVS Laxman's idea to make the World Test Championship Final a three-Test shootout may not be a practical suggestion. ICC acting CEO Geoff Allardice as of late guaranteed that a best-of-three last was impractically attributable to a stuffed worldwide schedule. The CEO additionally asserted that the points system for the following release of the World Test Championship Final will be changed, with equivalent focuses granted for wins independent of the length of the arrangement. VVS Laxman made a comparative idea in his segment, itemising how ICC could change the current framework. ALSO READ: Cricket: Should have been WTC Final 'series' and not just WTC Final, says Sachin Tendulkar "The points system could do with a tweak as well. Perhaps the way to go would be to cap all WTC series at three matches. The marquee series, like the Ashes or India vs England or Australia, could still be over four or five Tests, but only the first three should be taken into consideration for points for the WTC. That will remove the inequity that exists now, where the same number of points are offered for both a two-Test and a five-Test series." VVS Laxman nonetheless, doesn't need a static focuses scoring framework. He wants teams to be compensated with extra points in the event that they figure out how to win away from home. "I'd like to see additional weightage given for wins overseas. It's definitely not easy winning at home, but you have an edge because you know your conditions. Winning away is that much more challenging, and should come with a greater reward” - he added. The new World Test Championship cycle will begin with India versus England series in August. The ICC will declare the framework of the new points system before the series however affirmed they will stay with the parentage of the points system to choose the positions.

Cricket: VVS Laxman suggests changes to make World Test Championship more interesting

Indian opener Shubman Gill has shared some stories about his on-field visits with accomplices Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal.&nbsp;

Shubman Gill reviewed how both senior openers gave him the advantage from not taking&nbsp;the strike on the first ball&nbsp;during his debut Test series against Australia.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-bangladesh-all-rounder-shakib-al-hasan-suspended-for-three-matches-over-umpire-outburst-391140" hreflang="en">Cricket: Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan suspended for three matches over umpire outburst</a>

He likewise recalled his bungle in the second Test against England, where he, when all is said and done, requested the strike and got out for a three-ball duck. Shubman Gill said he actually doesn't have a clarification for why he did it yet stated that he wouldn't rehash a similar mix-up at any point in the near future.&nbsp;

In a conversation with The Grade Cricketer, Shubman Gill said: "Never! I remember in my debut innings that Mayank was kind enough to say 'Okay, I know you are under pressure so I will take the strike' and he took the strike in both innings. And then in the next match, I was supposed to take the strike but Mayank didn't play, Rohit bhai played."

"Rohit himself said: 'I know you are a youngster, so I will take the strike.' From there on, he took the strike every game until that match against England. I don't know why I told him that I will take the strike and obviously, that didn't work for me, I got out on the 3rd or 4th ball on a duck. But yes, that won't happen again anytime soon."

When asked how well before the game he and Rohit Sharma would choose who takes the strike, Shubman Gill timidly answered that it could happen whenever, even minutes before a game.&nbsp;

"Honestly, it can happen anytime. Like once, I remember we were almost in the middle, we were tapping our bats and I asked Rohit 'Can you please take the strike?'. Because Mitchell Starc was going on his run-up and I was trying to search the non-striker's end,"

Shubman Gill additionally scored a 135-ball 85 in an intra-squad match as of late, hence solidifying his place considerably further for the World Test Championship that will commence on 18th June.

Indian opener Shubman Gill has shared some stories about his on-field visits with accomplices Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal. Shubman Gill reviewed how both senior openers gave him the advantage from not taking the strike on the first ball during his debut Test series against Australia.

Indian opener Shubman Gill has shared some stories about his on-field visits with accomplices Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal. Shubman Gill reviewed how both senior openers gave him the advantage from not taking the strike on the first ball during his debut Test series against Australia. ALSO READ: Cricket: Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan suspended for three matches over umpire outburst He likewise recalled his bungle in the second Test against England, where he, when all is said and done, requested the strike and got out for a three-ball duck. Shubman Gill said he actually doesn't have a clarification for why he did it yet stated that he wouldn't rehash a similar mix-up at any point in the near future. In a conversation with The Grade Cricketer, Shubman Gill said: "Never! I remember in my debut innings that Mayank was kind enough to say 'Okay, I know you are under pressure so I will take the strike' and he took the strike in both innings. And then in the next match, I was supposed to take the strike but Mayank didn't play, Rohit bhai played." "Rohit himself said: 'I know you are a youngster, so I will take the strike.' From there on, he took the strike every game until that match against England. I don't know why I told him that I will take the strike and obviously, that didn't work for me, I got out on the 3rd or 4th ball on a duck. But yes, that won't happen again anytime soon." When asked how well before the game he and Rohit Sharma would choose who takes the strike, Shubman Gill timidly answered that it could happen whenever, even minutes before a game. "Honestly, it can happen anytime. Like once, I remember we were almost in the middle, we were tapping our bats and I asked Rohit 'Can you please take the strike?'. Because Mitchell Starc was going on his run-up and I was trying to search the non-striker's end," Shubman Gill additionally scored a 135-ball 85 in an intra-squad match as of late, hence solidifying his place considerably further for the World Test Championship that will commence on 18th June.

Cricket: Shubman Gill shares stories about his on-field visits with Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal

The inaugural of the ICC World Test Championship was announced in August 2019 and will finish up in June 2021. The last match between India and New Zealand will begin on 18 June in Southampton. The WTC saw extraordinary exhibitions from numerous players.

Here is a glance at the main&nbsp;five batsmen who scored the most runs in the World Test Championship 2019-21.&nbsp;

<h2>Marnus Labuschagne&nbsp;</h2>

A leg-spinner-turned batsman and blasting onto the scene by making the number three spot in Tests. Marnus Labuschagne has shown some stupendous structure of late which has assisted him with solidifying his spot in&nbsp;the Australian Test side.&nbsp;

The hundreds that he has been for the most part enormous hundreds and that likewise goes far in showing his demeanor and readiness to not discard his wicket following a century and to bat for significant stretches.&nbsp;

Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne glanced in enormous touch during the primary release of the World Test Championship. He is the leading run-scorer in the competition with 1675 runs from 23 innings at an amazing average of 72.82.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-top-5-wicket-takers-in-world-test-championship-cycle-2019-2021-390163" hreflang="en">Cricket: Top 5 wicket-takers in World Test Championship cycle 2019-2021</a>

<h2>Joe Root&nbsp;</h2>

English Test skipper Joe Root remains at the second spot in the count of driving run-scorers in the World Test Championship. He has scored 1660 runs at an average of 47.42 including three hundred and eight fifties. Joe Root crushed two double hundreds of years also in WTC.&nbsp;

In only three matches, two against Sri Lanka and one against India, Joe Root has scored 684 runs at an average of 114, with a noteworthy strike rate of 64.65. His exhibitions in three back-to-back England triumphs helped individuals to remember his capacity as perhaps the best player of spin.&nbsp;

Whatever Joe Root proceeds to accomplish between now and the end of his vocation, however, his place at the top table of extraordinary batsmen at present&nbsp;without question.&nbsp;

<h2>Steve Smith&nbsp;</h2>

He doesn't follow the training manual; he doesn't have a characteristic style that makes you expand at him in wonderment. However, he is ostensibly the best batsman in the longest format of the game right now.&nbsp;

One of the advanced Test batting greats, Steven Smith keeps on breaking records in the longest arrangement of the game, regardless of whether his exhibitions have dunked marginally in the new past.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-icc-announces-player-of-the-month-nominations-for-may-390145" hreflang="en">Cricket: ICC announces player of the month nominations for May</a>

He is viewed as the best Test batsman right now. He won the Test cricketer of the decade award in ICC yearly honors this year. Steve Smith made his comeback following one year ban with a century against England in Ashes 2019, which was likewise the main match of WTC 2019-21. Generally speaking, he scored 1341 runs in 22 innings at an average of 63.85. He crushed four centuries and seven fifties in the period.&nbsp;

<h2>Ben Stokes&nbsp;</h2>

English All-rounder Ben Stokes had an extraordinary effect with the bat in WTC. He amassed 1334 runs in 32 innings at an average of 46. He crushed four centuries and seven fifties during the stage. This incorporates a knock for the ages of 135* played against Australia at Headingley in the Ashes 2019. It was his astounding huge hitting – eight sixes – that carried his group to the doorstep of astonishing success.&nbsp;

The picture of Ben Stokes towards the end of the match, remaining at the focal point of the ground, will go down as perhaps the most famous in English cricket history. Although, his most noteworthy score of 176 in WTC came against West Indies in 2020.&nbsp;

<h2>Ajinkya Rahane&nbsp;</h2>

Having made his Test debut in March 2013 against Australia in Delhi, Rahane has, up until now, represented India in 73 Tests, in which he has scored 4583 runs at an average of 41.28. The right-hander has enrolled 12 hundred and 23 half-hundreds of years&nbsp;

Indian vice-captain in the Test format Ajinkya Rahane is the leading run-scorer among his comrades in the WTC 2019-21. He was likewise the only Indian to cross the 1000-run obstruction in the competition. Ajinkya Rahane scored 1095 runs in 28 innings at an average of 43.80 which included three centuries and 6 fifties. He was the skipper of the Indian team in the last three matches of the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21.&nbsp;

Despite the fact that he is not, at this point in the plan of things in the more limited formats for India, Ajinkya Rahane has stayed a vital component in the longest format, particularly when India has played away from home.

The inaugural of the ICC World Test Championship was announced in August 2019 and will finish up in June 2021. The last match between India and New Zealand will begin on 18 June in Southampton.

The inaugural of the ICC World Test Championship was announced in August 2019 and will finish up in June 2021. The last match between India and New Zealand will begin on 18 June in Southampton. The WTC saw extraordinary exhibitions from numerous players. Here is a glance at the main five batsmen who scored the most runs in the World Test Championship 2019-21. Marnus Labuschagne A leg-spinner-turned batsman and blasting onto the scene by making the number three spot in Tests. Marnus Labuschagne has shown some stupendous structure of late which has assisted him with solidifying his spot in the Australian Test side. The hundreds that he has been for the most part enormous hundreds and that likewise goes far in showing his demeanor and readiness to not discard his wicket following a century and to bat for significant stretches. Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne glanced in enormous touch during the primary release of the World Test Championship. He is the leading run-scorer in the competition with 1675 runs from 23 innings at an amazing average of 72.82. ALSO READ: Cricket: Top 5 wicket-takers in World Test Championship cycle 2019-2021 Joe Root English Test skipper Joe Root remains at the second spot in the count of driving run-scorers in the World Test Championship. He has scored 1660 runs at an average of 47.42 including three hundred and eight fifties. Joe Root crushed two double hundreds of years also in WTC. In only three matches, two against Sri Lanka and one against India, Joe Root has scored 684 runs at an average of 114, with a noteworthy strike rate of 64.65. His exhibitions in three back-to-back England triumphs helped individuals to remember his capacity as perhaps the best player of spin. Whatever Joe Root proceeds to accomplish between now and the end of his vocation, however, his place at the top table of extraordinary batsmen at present without question. Steve Smith He doesn't follow the training manual; he doesn't have a characteristic style that makes you expand at him in wonderment. However, he is ostensibly the best batsman in the longest format of the game right now. One of the advanced Test batting greats, Steven Smith keeps on breaking records in the longest arrangement of the game, regardless of whether his exhibitions have dunked marginally in the new past. ALSO READ: Cricket: ICC announces player of the month nominations for May He is viewed as the best Test batsman right now. He won the Test cricketer of the decade award in ICC yearly honors this year. Steve Smith made his comeback following one year ban with a century against England in Ashes 2019, which was likewise the main match of WTC 2019-21. Generally speaking, he scored 1341 runs in 22 innings at an average of 63.85. He crushed four centuries and seven fifties in the period. Ben Stokes English All-rounder Ben Stokes had an extraordinary effect with the bat in WTC. He amassed 1334 runs in 32 innings at an average of 46. He crushed four centuries and seven fifties during the stage. This incorporates a knock for the ages of 135* played against Australia at Headingley in the Ashes 2019. It was his astounding huge hitting – eight sixes – that carried his group to the doorstep of astonishing success. The picture of Ben Stokes towards the end of the match, remaining at the focal point of the ground, will go down as perhaps the most famous in English cricket history. Although, his most noteworthy score of 176 in WTC came against West Indies in 2020. Ajinkya Rahane Having made his Test debut in March 2013 against Australia in Delhi, Rahane has, up until now, represented India in 73 Tests, in which he has scored 4583 runs at an average of 41.28. The right-hander has enrolled 12 hundred and 23 half-hundreds of years Indian vice-captain in the Test format Ajinkya Rahane is the leading run-scorer among his comrades in the WTC 2019-21. He was likewise the only Indian to cross the 1000-run obstruction in the competition. Ajinkya Rahane scored 1095 runs in 28 innings at an average of 43.80 which included three centuries and 6 fifties. He was the skipper of the Indian team in the last three matches of the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21. Despite the fact that he is not, at this point in the plan of things in the more limited formats for India, Ajinkya Rahane has stayed a vital component in the longest format, particularly when India has played away from home.

Cricket: Top 5 run-scorers in World Test Championship cycle 2019-2021

The inaugural World Test Championship has arrived at its last part which will see the two most steady groups in Test cricket, during the period between August 1, 2019, to&nbsp;June 22, 2021, take on one another in the culmination clash in Southampton, beginning June 18.&nbsp;New Zeland&nbsp;will take on Team India in a one-off Test match for the title.

The inaugural WTC final will be in England at Southampton, which places the bowlers in the spotlight. Here is a glance at the main 5 wicket-takers in the World Test Championship.&nbsp;

<h2>Pat Cummins&nbsp;</h2>

The World No. 1 Test bowler scalped 70 wickets at an average of 21.02 and a strike rate of about 47.6. Among bowlers who bowled in any event four innings, he had the best strike rate.&nbsp;

Pat Cummins was named the Man of the Series in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy subsequent to getting 21 wickets throughout the span of the four-match series. No player took a larger number of wickets in the series than the Australia pacer, who indeed showed why he is the main positioned bowler in Test cricket.&nbsp;

He is known to bowl long spells energetically, precisely, and at a great pace. He has shown his superb fitness, abilities, and physicality. Pat Cummins moved the ball - tested the two edges of the batsmen, he bowled short balls and bouncers, he was deadly.&nbsp;

The Aussie Test vice-captain standing as the world's leading pace bowler in the longest format has been set up by his heavenly exhibition both on home soil and away from it. His assortment and cleverness make him an extraordinary resource for having for any skipper.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-indias-limited-overs-tour-of-sri-lanka-to-start-from-july-13-check-full-schedule-389957" hreflang="en">Cricket: India's limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka to start from July 13 - Check full schedule</a>

<h2>Stuart Broad&nbsp;</h2>

518 Test wickets and then some, positioned second in the rundown of England's untouched leading wicket-takers thus considerably more. A legend that English cricket can be greatly glad for as of now.&nbsp;

Stuart Broad's numbers throughout the most recent 2 years have been amazing. He got 69 wickets at an average of 20.08.

Broad probably won't have plenty of highlights somebody like a Dale Steyn has as far as speed and perforation, yet the Nottingham pacer is caviling with his lengths and he is continually coming at the batsman. In the event that you mess with him, you do as such at your own risk.&nbsp;

Of late, Stuart Broad's vocation has been a serious ride, and there's nothing that can legitimise that better than how he made David Warner his bunny in the home Ashes series a year ago.&nbsp;

There is a genuine story of reclamation you can connect with Stuart Broad, one that uncovers his character and mental strength, and furthermore one that reveals to you why he is extraordinary of the game.&nbsp;

<h2>Ravichandran Ashwin&nbsp;</h2>

The expert spinner from Chennai will tingle to get the ball turning once more. He is the third most noteworthy wicket-taker in the WTC and given his new adventures against England and the Aussies, he will enjoy some real success on certainty.&nbsp;

Ravichandran Ashwin was excellent with the ball in the home Test series against England recently where he went out of control against Joe Root and Co. The willy off-spinner sacked a stunning 32 wickets in only four matches to help India skip back after a loss in the series opener in Chennai and dominate the four-game series 3-1.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-ipl-2021-to-resume-on-september-19-in-uae-final-scheduled-on-october-15-389949" hreflang="en">Cricket: IPL 2021 to resume on September 19 in UAE, final scheduled on October 15</a>

Ashwin additionally had a noteworthy spat in Australia where he had scalped 12 wickets in three games. He drives the wicket-taking chart for India with 67 wickets in 13 matches in the World Test Championship.&nbsp;

<h2>Nathan Lyon&nbsp;</h2>

Lyon is Australia's third-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, behind just Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath. In 100 Tests, the 33-year-old has gotten 399 wickets with his best match figures being 13/154.&nbsp;

Known for his overspin and fires up granted ready, he is without a doubt perhaps the best spinner the game has at any point seen.&nbsp;

In the World Test Championship cycle, he has included in 14 matches and has stowed 56 wickets with an average of 31.37.&nbsp;

<h2>Tim Southee&nbsp;</h2>

Breaking into the senior New Zealand side as a capable teen, Tim Southee has consistently been a bankable alternative for the national team across all formats. Nonetheless, his type of late in Test cricket has taken him to an entire diverse level.&nbsp;

Tim Southee has been around for just about 10 years and-a-half. He probably won't scare batsmen like Pat Cummins or Jasprit Bumrah&nbsp;however in the new past, he has outperformed pretty much every speed bowler in global cricket.&nbsp;

Tim Southee is just the third pacer after Cummins and Stuart Broad to bag100 wickets in Test cricket since 2018.&nbsp;

His fantastic change has profited New Zealand, who are appreciating a glad run at the No.6 spot in the ICC Tests Rankings and will play the debut ICC World Test Championship last against India at Southampton in less than two weeks.

The inaugural World Test Championship has arrived at its last part which will see the two most steady groups in Test cricket, during the period between August 1, 2019, to June 22, 2021, take on one another in the culmination clash in Southampton, beginning June 18.

The inaugural World Test Championship has arrived at its last part which will see the two most steady groups in Test cricket, during the period between August 1, 2019, to June 22, 2021, take on one another in the culmination clash in Southampton, beginning June 18. New Zeland will take on Team India in a one-off Test match for the title. The inaugural WTC final will be in England at Southampton, which places the bowlers in the spotlight. Here is a glance at the main 5 wicket-takers in the World Test Championship. Pat Cummins The World No. 1 Test bowler scalped 70 wickets at an average of 21.02 and a strike rate of about 47.6. Among bowlers who bowled in any event four innings, he had the best strike rate. Pat Cummins was named the Man of the Series in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy subsequent to getting 21 wickets throughout the span of the four-match series. No player took a larger number of wickets in the series than the Australia pacer, who indeed showed why he is the main positioned bowler in Test cricket. He is known to bowl long spells energetically, precisely, and at a great pace. He has shown his superb fitness, abilities, and physicality. Pat Cummins moved the ball - tested the two edges of the batsmen, he bowled short balls and bouncers, he was deadly. The Aussie Test vice-captain standing as the world's leading pace bowler in the longest format has been set up by his heavenly exhibition both on home soil and away from it. His assortment and cleverness make him an extraordinary resource for having for any skipper. ALSO READ: Cricket: India's limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka to start from July 13 - Check full schedule Stuart Broad 518 Test wickets and then some, positioned second in the rundown of England's untouched leading wicket-takers thus considerably more. A legend that English cricket can be greatly glad for as of now. Stuart Broad's numbers throughout the most recent 2 years have been amazing. He got 69 wickets at an average of 20.08. Broad probably won't have plenty of highlights somebody like a Dale Steyn has as far as speed and perforation, yet the Nottingham pacer is caviling with his lengths and he is continually coming at the batsman. In the event that you mess with him, you do as such at your own risk. Of late, Stuart Broad's vocation has been a serious ride, and there's nothing that can legitimise that better than how he made David Warner his bunny in the home Ashes series a year ago. There is a genuine story of reclamation you can connect with Stuart Broad, one that uncovers his character and mental strength, and furthermore one that reveals to you why he is extraordinary of the game. Ravichandran Ashwin The expert spinner from Chennai will tingle to get the ball turning once more. He is the third most noteworthy wicket-taker in the WTC and given his new adventures against England and the Aussies, he will enjoy some real success on certainty. Ravichandran Ashwin was excellent with the ball in the home Test series against England recently where he went out of control against Joe Root and Co. The willy off-spinner sacked a stunning 32 wickets in only four matches to help India skip back after a loss in the series opener in Chennai and dominate the four-game series 3-1. ALSO READ: Cricket: IPL 2021 to resume on September 19 in UAE, final scheduled on October 15 Ashwin additionally had a noteworthy spat in Australia where he had scalped 12 wickets in three games. He drives the wicket-taking chart for India with 67 wickets in 13 matches in the World Test Championship. Nathan Lyon Lyon is Australia's third-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, behind just Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath. In 100 Tests, the 33-year-old has gotten 399 wickets with his best match figures being 13/154. Known for his overspin and fires up granted ready, he is without a doubt perhaps the best spinner the game has at any point seen. In the World Test Championship cycle, he has included in 14 matches and has stowed 56 wickets with an average of 31.37. Tim Southee Breaking into the senior New Zealand side as a capable teen, Tim Southee has consistently been a bankable alternative for the national team across all formats. Nonetheless, his type of late in Test cricket has taken him to an entire diverse level. Tim Southee has been around for just about 10 years and-a-half. He probably won't scare batsmen like Pat Cummins or Jasprit Bumrah however in the new past, he has outperformed pretty much every speed bowler in global cricket. Tim Southee is just the third pacer after Cummins and Stuart Broad to bag100 wickets in Test cricket since 2018. His fantastic change has profited New Zealand, who are appreciating a glad run at the No.6 spot in the ICC Tests Rankings and will play the debut ICC World Test Championship last against India at Southampton in less than two weeks.

Cricket: Top 5 wicket-takers in World Test Championship cycle 2019-2021

Yuvraj Singh has said that the impending World Test Championship final between&nbsp;Team India and New Zealand ought to have been a three-match affair. Team India will face New Zealand in the much-anticipated last of the ICC WTC which starts on June 18 in Southampton. The Indian squad has arrived in the United Kingdom on June 3 and is isolating prior to hitting the nets.&nbsp;

As per Yuvraj, a one-off Test puts India at a 'slight disadvantage' since New Zealand is as of now playing in England.&nbsp;

Before Yuvraj, Kapil Dev and current Team India head coach Ravi Shastri had additionally opined for the World Test Championship final to be a best-of-three experience.&nbsp;

Addressing Sports Tak, Yuvraj Singh clarified his perspectives and said:&nbsp;“I feel in a situation like this, there should be a best of 3 Tests, because if you lose the first one then you can come back in the next two. India will have a slight disadvantage because New Zealand are already playing Test cricket in England.“There are 8-10 practice sessions but there’s no substitute for match practice. It will be an even contest but New Zealand will have an edge.”

Team India will confront New Zealand in the WTC final in Southampton on June 18. New Zealand, then again, is taking on England in the first of the two Tests at Lord's.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-yuvraj-singh-echoes-ravi-shastris-stand-says-wtc-final-should-have-been-three-match-series-389806" hreflang="en">Cricket: Yuvraj Singh echoes Ravi Shastri's stand, says WTC final should have been three-match series</a>

In spite of the conspicuous disservice, Yuvraj Singh attested that Team India have a more strong batting line-up in contrast with New Zealand.&nbsp;

“I do believe India is very strong because lately, we have been winning outside the country. I think our batting is stronger, in bowling they are at par.”&nbsp;

As indicated by Yuvraj Singh, Team India's openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill should adjust to the Dukes' ball since they will play their first Test in England as openers. He said:&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-have-few-problems-with-ashwin-being-called-an-all-time-great-sanjay-manjrekar-disagrees-with-ian-chappell-389803" hreflang="en">Cricket: ‘Have few problems with Ashwin being called an all-time great’ – Sanjay Manjrekar disagrees with Ian Chappell</a>

“Rohit Sharma is very experienced now in Test matches. He has almost seven&nbsp;hundreds, four&nbsp;hundreds as an opener. But both Rohit and Shubman Gill have not opened in England ever. They know the challenge, the Dukes Ball swings early. They have to get used to the conditions quickly.“In England, it’s important to take it one session at a time. In the morning, the ball swings and seams, in the afternoon you can score runs, after Tea, it swings again. As a batsman, if you can adapt to these things, you can be successful.”

Yuvraj Singh additionally backed Shubman Gill to do well in England. Shubman Gill made an amazing Test debut in Australia, however battled at home against England. He said:&nbsp;

“Shubman is a very young guy, still inexperienced but he should feel confident about his success in Australia. So, if he has the belief, he can do well anywhere else in the world.”

After the World Test Championship final against New Zealand, India will take on England in a five-match Test series, beginning from August 4 in&nbsp;Nottingham.

Yuvraj Singh has said that the impending World Test Championship final between Team India and New Zealand ought to have been a three-match affair. Team India will face New Zealand in the much-anticipated last of the ICC WTC which starts on June 18 in Southampton.

Yuvraj Singh has said that the impending World Test Championship final between Team India and New Zealand ought to have been a three-match affair. Team India will face New Zealand in the much-anticipated last of the ICC WTC which starts on June 18 in Southampton. The Indian squad has arrived in the United Kingdom on June 3 and is isolating prior to hitting the nets. As per Yuvraj, a one-off Test puts India at a 'slight disadvantage' since New Zealand is as of now playing in England. Before Yuvraj, Kapil Dev and current Team India head coach Ravi Shastri had additionally opined for the World Test Championship final to be a best-of-three experience. Addressing Sports Tak, Yuvraj Singh clarified his perspectives and said: “I feel in a situation like this, there should be a best of 3 Tests, because if you lose the first one then you can come back in the next two. India will have a slight disadvantage because New Zealand are already playing Test cricket in England.“There are 8-10 practice sessions but there’s no substitute for match practice. It will be an even contest but New Zealand will have an edge.” Team India will confront New Zealand in the WTC final in Southampton on June 18. New Zealand, then again, is taking on England in the first of the two Tests at Lord's. ALSO READ: Cricket: Yuvraj Singh echoes Ravi Shastri's stand, says WTC final should have been three-match series In spite of the conspicuous disservice, Yuvraj Singh attested that Team India have a more strong batting line-up in contrast with New Zealand. “I do believe India is very strong because lately, we have been winning outside the country. I think our batting is stronger, in bowling they are at par.” As indicated by Yuvraj Singh, Team India's openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill should adjust to the Dukes' ball since they will play their first Test in England as openers. He said: ALSO READ: Cricket: ‘Have few problems with Ashwin being called an all-time great’ – Sanjay Manjrekar disagrees with Ian Chappell “Rohit Sharma is very experienced now in Test matches. He has almost seven hundreds, four hundreds as an opener. But both Rohit and Shubman Gill have not opened in England ever. They know the challenge, the Dukes Ball swings early. They have to get used to the conditions quickly.“In England, it’s important to take it one session at a time. In the morning, the ball swings and seams, in the afternoon you can score runs, after Tea, it swings again. As a batsman, if you can adapt to these things, you can be successful.” Yuvraj Singh additionally backed Shubman Gill to do well in England. Shubman Gill made an amazing Test debut in Australia, however battled at home against England. He said: “Shubman is a very young guy, still inexperienced but he should feel confident about his success in Australia. So, if he has the belief, he can do well anywhere else in the world.” After the World Test Championship final against New Zealand, India will take on England in a five-match Test series, beginning from August 4 in Nottingham.

Cricket: Yuvraj Singh reveals why India will have 'slight disadvantage' in WTC Final vs New Zealand

Kane Williamson and Virat Kohli have seen a ton of one another throughout the last decade or so. They originally met during their U-19 days, and have since gone onto lead their senior sides in worldwide cricket.&nbsp;

They will presently compete for top distinctions in the final of the World Test Championship in Southampton, where India will challenge New Zealand from June 18.&nbsp;

Kane Williamson was approached to impart his perspectives on his contention to Virat Kohli during a conversation with ICC.&nbsp;

“Yeah, hard case. Over the years, we have played against each other in so many different levels and competitions and have known each other fairly well. So, it will be quite cool walking out there, doing the toss, and having a bit of contact in the first Test Championship Final” -&nbsp;he said.

The two obviously differentiating characters share an enormous measure of regard for one another. The equivalent was clear when India visited New Zealand in 2020, with Virat Kohli regularly found in close conversations with Kane Williamson.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-can-become-as-good-as-virat-kohli-herschelle-gibbs-gives-his-take-on-babar-azam-ahead-of-psl-resumption-389938" hreflang="en">Cricket: 'Can become as good as Virat Kohli' - Herschelle Gibbs gives his take on Babar Azam ahead of PSL resumption</a>

On the field, the two are total opposites. While Kane Williamson is a more quiet, less expressive pioneer, Virat Kohli exposes heart and soul to all onlookers and is aggressive. Numerous experts have promoted the captaincy fight between Kane Williamson and Virat Kohli as the main coordinate in the World Test Championship finale; one that could determine the destiny of the trophy.&nbsp;

The Black Caps have their undertaking removed in front of the show-stopper occasion, with the group facing the no.1 Test side on the planet that flaunts a heavenly bowling line-up. Kane Williamson knows about the test before his side and was all-acclaim for India's inside and out bowling assault.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-couldnt-believe-them-joe-root-reacts-to-ollie-robinsons-racist-sexist-historical-tweets-389926" hreflang="en">Cricket: 'Couldn’t believe them' - Joe Root reacts to Ollie Robinson’s racist, sexist historical tweets</a>

“Yeah, they have got a fantastic attack. Brilliant, obviously a brilliant side. Throughout we have seen the depth they have as well, certainly saw that in Australia as well. A lot of strengths in their fast bowling and spin department. So yeah, a brilliant side, ranked right up the top, which is fair enough and an exciting opportunity for us to be involved in the final taking on the best” - Williamson added.

The Kiwi captain wouldn't be excessively stressed, however, considering he has a fortunate speed battery of his own. With Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, &nbsp;and Neil Wagner, New Zealand have apparently the more qualified bowling line-up for English conditions.

Kane Williamson and Virat Kohli have seen a ton of one another throughout the last decade or so. They originally met during their U-19 days, and have since gone onto lead their senior sides in worldwide cricket.

Kane Williamson and Virat Kohli have seen a ton of one another throughout the last decade or so. They originally met during their U-19 days, and have since gone onto lead their senior sides in worldwide cricket. They will presently compete for top distinctions in the final of the World Test Championship in Southampton, where India will challenge New Zealand from June 18. Kane Williamson was approached to impart his perspectives on his contention to Virat Kohli during a conversation with ICC. “Yeah, hard case. Over the years, we have played against each other in so many different levels and competitions and have known each other fairly well. So, it will be quite cool walking out there, doing the toss, and having a bit of contact in the first Test Championship Final” - he said. The two obviously differentiating characters share an enormous measure of regard for one another. The equivalent was clear when India visited New Zealand in 2020, with Virat Kohli regularly found in close conversations with Kane Williamson. ALSO READ: Cricket: 'Can become as good as Virat Kohli' - Herschelle Gibbs gives his take on Babar Azam ahead of PSL resumption On the field, the two are total opposites. While Kane Williamson is a more quiet, less expressive pioneer, Virat Kohli exposes heart and soul to all onlookers and is aggressive. Numerous experts have promoted the captaincy fight between Kane Williamson and Virat Kohli as the main coordinate in the World Test Championship finale; one that could determine the destiny of the trophy. The Black Caps have their undertaking removed in front of the show-stopper occasion, with the group facing the no.1 Test side on the planet that flaunts a heavenly bowling line-up. Kane Williamson knows about the test before his side and was all-acclaim for India's inside and out bowling assault. ALSO READ: Cricket: 'Couldn’t believe them' - Joe Root reacts to Ollie Robinson’s racist, sexist historical tweets “Yeah, they have got a fantastic attack. Brilliant, obviously a brilliant side. Throughout we have seen the depth they have as well, certainly saw that in Australia as well. A lot of strengths in their fast bowling and spin department. So yeah, a brilliant side, ranked right up the top, which is fair enough and an exciting opportunity for us to be involved in the final taking on the best” - Williamson added. The Kiwi captain wouldn't be excessively stressed, however, considering he has a fortunate speed battery of his own. With Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, and Neil Wagner, New Zealand have apparently the more qualified bowling line-up for English conditions.

WTC Final: Would be cool to walk out with Virat Kohli for toss, says Kane Williamson

The idea of the World Test Championship Finals is truly resounding great with the advertisers. As Team India is preparing for the debut World Test Championship &nbsp;Finals against New Zealand, the official telecaster in the Indian Sub-Continent is hitting rich with the promoters.&nbsp;

Star Sports has arranged broadcast around the WTC Finals and will air the finals in different dialects. This will be the first run-through when a test match will be broadcasted in various languages on the platform. As per the data accessible India versus New Zealand &nbsp;World Test Championship Final will be live communicated on the Star Sports organization and gushed on Disney+ Hotstar across five dialects.&nbsp;

The telecaster has additionally circulated the promotion 'Near the very edge of significance on the organization around the memorable experience.&nbsp;

According to reports, Star Sports has marked 15+ publicists for the last that incorporates any semblance of Byjus, Dream 11, Cars24, Cred, PolicyBazaar, Pharmeasy, ThumsUp, Skoda, MRF, PaisaBazaar, Niyo Solutions, and Ultratech.&nbsp;

Reports suggest in E4M, the patrons are paying Rs 2.5 lakh every 10 seconds while spot purchasers are spending Rs 2.8 lakh every 10 seconds for the WTC last. The pace of stock is practically half more than what a typical India respective Test is sold for.&nbsp;

The broadcaster could wind up with an expected income of Rs 80-85 crore if all the advertisement spots more than 5 days are devoured. It is significant that every India test match according to Star Network deal with BCCI is worth 52 Cr.&nbsp;

In a conversation Exchange4Media, EVP Anil Jayaraj said:&nbsp;

“The World Test Championship is a marquee property for Star India, and the recent promotional film launch just adds to the anticipation of the fans and advertisers alike. The opportunity of India being throned as the World Champion and being the first team in the World to win across all formats has attracted advertisers across categories. Our broadcast across five languages at prime time is set to captivate the heart of every fan and leverage the high appeal of the country to see how India fares in this historic face-off.”&nbsp;

The stage is set for a force-stuffed World Test Championship last and fans are anxiously trusting that the finale will start. 
&nbsp;

The idea of the World Test Championship Finals is truly resounding great with the advertisers. As Team India is preparing for the debut World Test Championship Finals against New Zealand, the official telecaster in the Indian Sub-Continent is hitting rich with the promoters.

The idea of the World Test Championship Finals is truly resounding great with the advertisers. As Team India is preparing for the debut World Test Championship Finals against New Zealand, the official telecaster in the Indian Sub-Continent is hitting rich with the promoters. Star Sports has arranged broadcast around the WTC Finals and will air the finals in different dialects. This will be the first run-through when a test match will be broadcasted in various languages on the platform. As per the data accessible India versus New Zealand World Test Championship Final will be live communicated on the Star Sports organization and gushed on Disney+ Hotstar across five dialects. The telecaster has additionally circulated the promotion 'Near the very edge of significance on the organization around the memorable experience. According to reports, Star Sports has marked 15+ publicists for the last that incorporates any semblance of Byjus, Dream 11, Cars24, Cred, PolicyBazaar, Pharmeasy, ThumsUp, Skoda, MRF, PaisaBazaar, Niyo Solutions, and Ultratech. Reports suggest in E4M, the patrons are paying Rs 2.5 lakh every 10 seconds while spot purchasers are spending Rs 2.8 lakh every 10 seconds for the WTC last. The pace of stock is practically half more than what a typical India respective Test is sold for. The broadcaster could wind up with an expected income of Rs 80-85 crore if all the advertisement spots more than 5 days are devoured. It is significant that every India test match according to Star Network deal with BCCI is worth 52 Cr. In a conversation Exchange4Media, EVP Anil Jayaraj said: “The World Test Championship is a marquee property for Star India, and the recent promotional film launch just adds to the anticipation of the fans and advertisers alike. The opportunity of India being throned as the World Champion and being the first team in the World to win across all formats has attracted advertisers across categories. Our broadcast across five languages at prime time is set to captivate the heart of every fan and leverage the high appeal of the country to see how India fares in this historic face-off.” The stage is set for a force-stuffed World Test Championship last and fans are anxiously trusting that the finale will start.

Cricket: Star Sports strikes big deals for World Test Championship

The way to the ICC World Test Championship Final for Virat Kohli-led Team India hasn't been smooth. While New Zealand has significant match-practice with a two-match Test series against England, the Indian team hasn't had the option to hit the ground because of COVID-19 restrictions in the country. Be that as it may, for players like Umesh Yadav, it has been considerably more troublesome as he hasn't played any cricket throughout the previous five months.

Umesh Yadav last played competitive cricket during India's visit to Australia. Yet, he endured a physical issue that governed him out of the series. He was neglected for the England Test arrangement at home as he was all the while recuperating. In the IPL 2021, for Delhi Capitals, he didn't get starts&nbsp;in the seven matches in the first phase. Ahead of the ICC&nbsp;World Test Championship Final, Umesh Yadav is concerned about the absence of match practice.&nbsp;

In an interview with Times Of India, Umesh Yadav said:

“It’s difficult. I got injured after the second Test in Australia. That was a big opportunity for me when the rest of the senior bowlers were not available. If I could do well in that situation, it would have been a big boost like it has done to the young boys who played in Australia.”&nbsp;

“There was plenty of cricket after that. I didn’t get to play the Tests against England at home. I didn’t get matches in the IPL as well. It’s difficult to make a comeback after injury when you don’t play many games. But I am putting in a lot of hard work in my training and I am feeling much better. I don’t feel that I was injured. I am bowling well in the nets. I try to not think that I have not got many matches. I don’t feel I have missed much” - he added.

Be that as it may, the absence of match practice and consistent fight for a spot in India's playing XI in Tests hasn't hindered him. All things considered, he is spurred to return. The injuries also haven't transformed anything for Umesh Yadav as he actually expects to utilize the very speed that he used to bowl with before the injury.&nbsp;

“I was raw when I made my debut. I didn’t understand the wear and tear that my body was going through. As you keep playing, you understand when the body is enduring load and the muscles are tiring. In the last 10 years, I realized that the body will go through wear and tear if you play all formats. We have learned to understand and take care of our bodies. And when you play a lot of cricket it takes a toll both physically and mentally. That’s why workload management is important to relax your mind. It’s important to rest a fast bowler at the right time” - he said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/you-have-to-be-careful-dilip-vengsarkars-piece-of-advice-to-virat-and-co-ahead-of-wtc-final-389643" hreflang="en">'You have to be careful': Dilip Vengsarkar's piece of advice to Virat and Co. ahead of WTC final</a>

At very nearly 34, Umesh isn't just battling against his body yet additionally against youthful pacers who are coming up the positions. He is consistently up for an extreme battle as he accepts sound rivalry is acceptable.&nbsp;

“I know a lot of fast bowlers are coming through the ranks. I have been playing for 10 years. I don’t see it as pressure. I see it as healthy competition. When you play with youngsters, they are motivated to perform better than the seniors. We must also ensure we match their standards when it comes to fitness and skills. The seniors and youngsters learn from each other. You need to have good thoughts” - he added.

“In sports, you can’t crib about how many chances you have got. When you represent your country, the team and selectors expect you to keep performing. There was a period of three-four years when I played all formats. Then I got sporadic chances. There will be new people coming in. There will be new bowlers who will get in with better performances” -&nbsp;he added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-still-dont-understand-pcbs-selection-of-players-says-ramiz-raja-389657" hreflang="en">Cricket: Still don't understand PCB's selection of players, says Ramiz Raja</a>

Considering the ICC WTC Final, it will resemble a World Cup final for him and other red-ball trained professionals, who might not get an opportunity to play in the ICC T20 World Cup or 50-over World Cup.&nbsp;

“This is indeed like a World Cup for us who have not played white-ball cricket for India for a long time. We are now playing more Test matches these days. The ICC should keep coming up with such initiatives so that more people get interested in Test cricket and the format’s popularity keeps growing” - &nbsp;he concluded. 
&nbsp;

The way to the ICC World Test Championship Final for Virat Kohli-led Team India hasn't been smooth. While New Zealand has significant match-practice with a two-match Test series against England, the Indian team hasn't had the option to hit the ground because of COVID-19 restrictions in the country.

The way to the ICC World Test Championship Final for Virat Kohli-led Team India hasn't been smooth. While New Zealand has significant match-practice with a two-match Test series against England, the Indian team hasn't had the option to hit the ground because of COVID-19 restrictions in the country. Be that as it may, for players like Umesh Yadav, it has been considerably more troublesome as he hasn't played any cricket throughout the previous five months. Umesh Yadav last played competitive cricket during India's visit to Australia. Yet, he endured a physical issue that governed him out of the series. He was neglected for the England Test arrangement at home as he was all the while recuperating. In the IPL 2021, for Delhi Capitals, he didn't get starts in the seven matches in the first phase. Ahead of the ICC World Test Championship Final, Umesh Yadav is concerned about the absence of match practice. In an interview with Times Of India, Umesh Yadav said: “It’s difficult. I got injured after the second Test in Australia. That was a big opportunity for me when the rest of the senior bowlers were not available. If I could do well in that situation, it would have been a big boost like it has done to the young boys who played in Australia.” “There was plenty of cricket after that. I didn’t get to play the Tests against England at home. I didn’t get matches in the IPL as well. It’s difficult to make a comeback after injury when you don’t play many games. But I am putting in a lot of hard work in my training and I am feeling much better. I don’t feel that I was injured. I am bowling well in the nets. I try to not think that I have not got many matches. I don’t feel I have missed much” - he added. Be that as it may, the absence of match practice and consistent fight for a spot in India's playing XI in Tests hasn't hindered him. All things considered, he is spurred to return. The injuries also haven't transformed anything for Umesh Yadav as he actually expects to utilize the very speed that he used to bowl with before the injury. “I was raw when I made my debut. I didn’t understand the wear and tear that my body was going through. As you keep playing, you understand when the body is enduring load and the muscles are tiring. In the last 10 years, I realized that the body will go through wear and tear if you play all formats. We have learned to understand and take care of our bodies. And when you play a lot of cricket it takes a toll both physically and mentally. That’s why workload management is important to relax your mind. It’s important to rest a fast bowler at the right time” - he said. ALSO READ: 'You have to be careful': Dilip Vengsarkar's piece of advice to Virat and Co. ahead of WTC final At very nearly 34, Umesh isn't just battling against his body yet additionally against youthful pacers who are coming up the positions. He is consistently up for an extreme battle as he accepts sound rivalry is acceptable. “I know a lot of fast bowlers are coming through the ranks. I have been playing for 10 years. I don’t see it as pressure. I see it as healthy competition. When you play with youngsters, they are motivated to perform better than the seniors. We must also ensure we match their standards when it comes to fitness and skills. The seniors and youngsters learn from each other. You need to have good thoughts” - he added. “In sports, you can’t crib about how many chances you have got. When you represent your country, the team and selectors expect you to keep performing. There was a period of three-four years when I played all formats. Then I got sporadic chances. There will be new people coming in. There will be new bowlers who will get in with better performances” - he added. ALSO READ: Cricket: Still don't understand PCB's selection of players, says Ramiz Raja Considering the ICC WTC Final, it will resemble a World Cup final for him and other red-ball trained professionals, who might not get an opportunity to play in the ICC T20 World Cup or 50-over World Cup. “This is indeed like a World Cup for us who have not played white-ball cricket for India for a long time. We are now playing more Test matches these days. The ICC should keep coming up with such initiatives so that more people get interested in Test cricket and the format’s popularity keeps growing” - he concluded.

Cricket: Umesh Yadav gives insights into senior-junior bond in Team India

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