India and New Zealand will contest in the final from Friday (18 June).
As the start time of the final of the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) comes closer, there is a lot of excitement, tension and anticipation around the world. Every cricket fan and cricketers around the world have their eyes on this match between India and New Zealand which has been dubbed as the 'Ultimate Test' for obvious reasons.
With so much focus around the game, naturally the playing surface also grabs maximum eye balls as the 22 yards eventually holds the most significant importance in decision making and planning. On Thursday, a day before the final, the pitch's first look was revealed by commentators and ex-cricketers Simon Doull and Isa Guha on Twitter.
READ ALSO: “Win or lose, cricket won't stop”, says Virat Kohli on the eve of WTC final
The pitch carried a decent covering of grass which is to be expected a day before the Test match. Pitch curators usually mow the grass on day 1 of any Test in England and the same is expected at the Ageas Bowl as well, which is the venue of the WTC final.
"Just 1 more sleep. @ICC WTC final with @BLACKCAPS and @BCCI. No need to mow that I don’t think @DineshKarthik #BringItOn" Simon Doull wrote.
Dinesh Karthik, Doull's fellow commentator for the match, replied the tweet saying, "The more the grass , the merrier it is. But ill tell you this doully, it's gonne be one heck of game . The ULTIMATE test as they right put. We are blessed to be here and watch these two teams fight it out. May the best team win #worldtestchampionshipfinal".
Isa Guha, who will be also be part of the commentary box, wrote, "1st look at Inaugral men’s test championship wicket. Needs a shave #WorldTestChampionship #ICCWTCFinal".
Who the pitch favors remains to be seen, but both teams boast of high quality pace attacks who can exploit any bit of help from the surface and the air if there is swing.
Weather forecast for the next few days suggests the match might also be hit by rain at regular intervals. There is a sixth day available for this Test match if rain affects the match during the first five days. If the Test still ends in a draw after six days, both teams will be joint-winners of the trophy and prize money.