WTC Final: Final decision on India’s playing XI to be taken before toss if needed- Fielding coach R Sridhar
ndia fielding coach R Sridhar said the team management would take a call on changing the playing XI named for the World Test Championship final ahead of the toss on Saturday. The first day’s play was washed out and the toss will take place on the second day if rain relents.
India announced their playing XI for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand on Thursday but they have an option to change it before the toss takes place. At the time of the toss, both teams exchange team sheets and after that, no player can be changed unless there has to be a substitution for either concussion or Covid-19.
“The XI that was announced (previously) is a team that takes the pitch and conditions out of the equation. They can perform in any given weather conditions. Having said that, the toss is not yet over, so a decision on the final XI will be taken at the time of the toss if needed,” Sridhar said.
“There is no mental challenge really (with the washout). Tomorrow is going to be the first day of the Test, and we will go in like we approach any new game. That wouldn’t be a big challenge for the boys,” Sridhar added.
New Zealand, on the other hand, haven’t named their starting line-up since they want to see the pitch first.
“We haven’t confirmed the final eleven yet. Again, we have to wait and see when we get the chance to have a look at the wicket, etc. Yeah, sure Kane [Williamson, the captain] and [head coach Gary] Steady have a few contingencies in plan but we will have to wait and see when the covers come off and we get a chance to play,” vice-captain Tom Latham told the media.
The WTC final will extend into the reserve day on June 23. As of now, after the first day’s washout, at least four hours of the reserve day will be used.
