India will face New Zealand in the inaugural edition of the ICC World Test Championship final at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. After grueling for two years, playing some quality cricket the two teams have arrived at this stage. 

Also read: From Kohli’s form to Boult’s swing: 3 keys to World Test Championship final

The final will feature some of the best cricketing talents as Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson go head-to-head. Before the players actually step into the arena, here we present a combined XI from the squad of both sides. Have a look.

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1. Rohit Sharma (Opener)

Taking into account the WTC bracket, Rohit Sharma has played 11 matches and scored 1030 runs at an average of 64.37. With outstanding batting skills and the aforesaid impressive figures, any captain would want him in his team without a second thought.

2. Tom Latham (Opener)

Tom Latham, as an opener, has scored 680 runs in 11 games with the highest score of 154. One of the most reliable players of the Kiwis, Latham can easily irk the bowlers with his immense patience and his signature batting style of turning every possible delivery into dot balls.

3. Kane Williamson (Captain)

For the consolidated playing XI, Kane Williamson should lead the team as he is well-known for handling pressure situations. Moreover, Williamson has scored 817 runs in 9 matches at WTC with an average of above 58. In his last game against Pakistan, he smashed a whopping 238. William would come in at number 3 batting position.

4. Virat Kohli (Vice-captain)

Virat Kohli, a name which certainly cannot be missed by any captain. Often addressed as one of the finest batsman of the world, Kohli would bat at number 4 batting position. Taking into account his great record in Tests as captain, Kohli would be the vice-captain of the team.

5. Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane is currently the leading run-scorer for Team India in the World Test Championship. Rahane has smashed 1095 runs in 17 games under the WTC bracket. Additionally, he is also a fantastic catcher at the slip. India’s Test vice-captain will bat in at number five due to his decent form with the bat.

6. Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)

Rishabh Pant has been in a brilliant form lately, both in terms of scoring runs and in his keeping techniques. To have an overall look at his statistics, Pant managed a good 662 runs from 18 innings at an average of 41.4. Furthermore, to add to his performance are his 40 dismissals as the wicket-keeper. Pant also accounted for 5 stumpings which is evidently the most by any wicket-keeper in WTC so far.

7. Ravindra Jadeja

It will not be wrong to hail ‘Sir’ Jadeja as one of the finest fielder in world cricket. Be it in Test matches or be it in ODI/T20, Jadeja is always proactive in terms of fielding. Jadeja is the best candidate at number 7. Not only is he an excellent left-arm spin bowler, but he can also keep the scorecard moving with his reliable batting. Certainly, Jadeja is an all-around package for any team.

8. Ravichandran Ashwin

In Australia, R. Ashwin had picked up 12 wickets in 3 matches with his consistent efforts. Moreover, Ashwin is third on the list of wicket-takers in WTC with 67 wickets in 13 matches. Notably, Ashwin can also provide depth to the batting order.

9. Kyle Jamieson

Kyle Jamieson has scald 36 wickets in just 6 Test matches. Apart from that, he has also scored 226 runs at an average of 56.5. Interestingly, the 6 feet 8 inches tall bowler would be difficult to face given the English bowling conditions. Apparently, Jamieson would be a key player in the finale.

10. Trent Boult

Trent Boult is considered to be one of the most fiercest bowlers of the world. His outstanding inswinging deliveries are a treat to watch. But on the other hand, it is a nightmare for the ones facing it. It may be noted that, in the WTC cycle, Boult has taken 34 wickets in 17 matches for his team.

11. Jasprit Bumrah

Without much ado, let’s have a look a Jasprit Bumrah’s figures so far. Bumrah has taken a total of 34 wickets from 17 innings at a good average of 22.4, consistency of 69.2, and carries a rating of 9. Certainly, it was a tough call between Jasprit Bumrah and Neil Wagner. But to be honest, Bumrah is chosen over Wagner for just one reason and that is, Bumrah’s figures – which are slightly better when it comes to performance in multi-countries.