In the highly anticipated World Test Championship final, India and New Zealand are facing off at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. After a rained-out first day, the World Test Championship final eventually got underway at Rose Bowl in Southampton on the second day.
After winning the toss, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson had little problem in inviting India to play due to the gloomy weather and the pitch. Opening batsmen Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill got the team off to a good start, putting up 62 runs for the first wicket. Rohit was dismissed after scoring 34 off 68 balls, while Gill was dismissed after scoring 28 off 64 balls.
While all eyes were on Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, who had no prior experience opening in this part of the world, the two batsmen played admirably, putting up 62 for the first wicket before being bowled in short succession. Rohit was seen in the Indian dugout with binoculars after being dismissed, maybe trying to get a better look at the game before stepping out during the second innings.
Rohit’s photo quickly went viral, and it even made it to Ritika Sajdeh’s social media timeline. Ritika, who is living in the stadium with other players’ families, played a joke on The Hitman by asking whether he was spying on them.
The players and their families are staying at the Southampton stadium and are not permitted to leave during the Test match. Before the five-match Test series against England, they will have a 20-day break.
Despite all the conjecture over the team’s composition, Indian captain Virat Kohli said that the team has kept to the previously stated lineup. Unlike India, who played three pacers and two spinners, New Zealand went with an all-pace lineup, with four pacers and seam-bowling all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme.
India scored 217 at the end of the third day, having lost Cheteshwar Pujara to Trent Boult after the two openers were sent back by Kyle Jamieson and Neil Wagner in quick succession. Virat Kohli scored 44 in 132 balls and Rahane scored 49 in 117 balls. Ashwin added 22 runs. New Zealand were 101-2 at the end of the 3rd day.
