LONDON: In the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand, who boast of a formidable pace attack ever ready to prosper in familiar English conditions, former India pacer Ajit Agarkar believes India will have their work cut out for them. The eagerly anticipated game is slated to take place in Southampton from June 18–22.

An encouraging weather forecast for the ICC World Test Championship final at The Oval in south London - England’s oldest international cricketing venue, where the first Test was held in 1880 - has provided a psychological boost to the Indian team, confronted as they are with the challenge of having to compete at the climax of cricket’s most prestigious championship without the benefit of match practice in English conditions

The injuries to Jasprit Bumrah, Kannaur Lokesh Rahul, and Rishabh Pant prevent them from playing, which is a setback for India. The playing XI will undoubtedly consist of four bowlers, an all-rounder, a wicketkeeper, and five batsmen. In light of Kona Srikar Bharat's superior glove skills compared to Ishan Kishan and the fact that he has competed at the top level, including a match against Australia, speculation over who will man the stumps may be ridiculous. On Sunday at the Oval, Kishan batted heavily at the nets but the seasoned Ajinkya Rahane strangely did not.

However, the question remains as to whether the line-up will have four faster bowlers or two spinners. If the former, then Ravi Ashwin is likely to be dropped. If otherwise, then the tour think-tank would have to choose between Umesh Yadav and Shardul Thakur. Even in an environment unfavourable to him, as in the previous WTC final at Southampton in 2021, Ashwin impressed with his economy and wicket-taking ability. Also, with four left-handers among Australia’s batsmen, an offspinner like Ashwin, should be an asset. In contrast, Yadav only really comes into his own with reverse swing; and while Thakur is more effective when the ball moves in the air and exhibited a fine all-round display against England at The Oval two years ago, his form in the recentlyconcluded IPL was disappointing.

 The Indian vice-captain, Cheteshwar Pujara, who has been among the runs for Sussex in the county championship, will be the only Indian with match practice on English pitches leading up to the WTC final. Among the Australians, the same would be true of Steve Smith and Marcus Labuchange. Openers often hold the key to a side’s overall batting stability. In this case, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, who was dominant on the last tour of England, but was short of runs in the IPL, and the promising Shubhman Gill are not short of talent. But they are likely to be tested in the early overs by the pace of Cummins and Starc operating with the Duke ball with its more pronounced seam; and therein would hinge a critical element of the match.