The ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand at the Hampshire Bowl is all set for an action-packed climax on a wisely scheduled reserve day. Persistent rain and bad light have already robbed the Test match of two full days, along with precious time even on days when play was possible. And yet, going into Day 6, many believe, all three results are still possible.
First things first. On Wednesday, Southampton will finally experience sunshine throughout the playing hours. There is absolutely no chance of precipitation, and the temperature will hover around 18-20 degrees. Hence, we can expect no interruption in the game whatsoever due to weather, and all 98 overs will be bowled.
Now the question is, whether these overs are enough for both the teams to produce a result?
India finished Day 5 with a lead of 32, the exact number they had conceded in the first innings when New Zealand were bowled out for 249. India have also lost both openers to Tim Southee.
When Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli will come out to bat on Wednesday, their primary objective will be to take India to a position of safety. They will have to bat New Zealand out of this Test match and remain satisfied with a draw.
The other option is force the issue and press for a victory. However, it is a risky proposition. Though the conditions will be ideal for batting, India should guard against any sort of complacency. They have collapsed several times in recent past. If they want force the issue right from the start and lose a couple of wickets inside the first hour, the floodgates may open for the New Zealand fast bowlers.
Rohit Sharma’s wicket at the fag end of Day 5 was a huge breakthrough for New Zealand. Under these circumstances, a strokeplayer like Rohit can take the game away in a short span of time. Today, they will be more relieved to bowl to more ‘traditional’ batsmen like Pujara and Kohli.
For the most part of this Test match, Indian batting has shown composure in conditions they are not used to, that too without match practice. They will want to continue the good work for one last time.
Once they overcome the initial phase of worry and want a result in their favour, they will have to set New Zealand a target of around 250 in 45-50 overs and try to attack with five specialist bowlers. But even then, New Zealand may shut shop if they lose a couple of early wickets.
However, in order to get to that position, someone like Kohli or Rishabh Pant needs to produce an out-of-the-box innings. And they are capable of doing that.
So, sit back, relax and brace yourself for an intriguing day’s play in Southampton.