IND vs NZ, WTC Final Live: India to change announced Playing XI? Here’s official update

The WTC Final Day 1 was washed out due to rain and it is expected that the same trend can be continued for next few days as well. As reported by India Fantasy earlier, the low pressure formed over France is expected to move towards Southern England on Saturday and light-medium rainfall can be expected that will be enough to halt the game. The Indian team management announced their Playing XI a day ahead of the WTC Final. The team had 5 specialist batsmen, wicket-keeper, 2 spinners, and 3 pacers. The fielding coach said that the team was chosen regardless of any conditions in the venue.

Related: WTC Final Live: Southampton Weather update on Day 2

Changes in Playing XI can be made if needed- R Sridhar

The fielding coach of Indian team, R Sridhar ha spoken about the Final Playing XI for WTC Final between India and New Zealand. He has reiterated the fact that the Playing XI might get changed and decision will be made at the time of toss and according to the surface.

“The eleven that has been announced is eleven that takes conditions out of the equation. I think it’s the eleven which can play and perform on any given surface and any given weather conditions,” Sridhar said to media after Day 1 was washed out.

“Having said that, the toss is not yet over. So, if needed, a decision will be taken at the time of toss,” Sridhar concluded.

With the weather expected to be overcast and a little help to spinners, the team management might think of changing the Playing XI to suit the conditions and prevail at the end of the test match.

Related: WTC Final: India Playing XI announced  for final against New Zealand

Stats of India vs New Zealand in ICC tournaments

The total number of 59 Tests have been played between India and New Zealand, with India winning 21 and New Zealand with 12 victories. The bilateral test match will be played for the first time in a neutral venue. But the previous encounters in the ICC Tournaments suggest the dominance of New Zealand over Indian team.

They have faced against each other in the 5 matches of ICC events, namely 1999 World Cup, 2000 Knockout Trophy, 2003 World Cup, 2007 T20 World Cup, 2019 World Cup. The New Zealand team have won 4 out of the 5 matches, with the Indian team only winning the 2003 World cup match.

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