Similar to the World Cups in ODI and T20I cricket, the International Cricket Council introduced the World Test Championship for Tests in 2019 to bring more context to the purest form of the game.

The inaugural WTC, which ran from 2019 to 2021, was won by New Zealand in Southampton with Australia winning the WTC in the 2021-23 cycle at the Oval in London. 

India is the only team to have qualified for the final in both editions and also stand a chance to repeat the feat for a third consecutive time in the WTC 2025 final to be played at the historic Lord’s in England in June next year.

The WTC window is a two-year cycle where all the nine Test-playing nations are awarded 12 points for a Test match win, six points for a tie and four for a draw. 

Since different teams play different numbers of Test matches in the cycle, the percentage point is considered to decide the standings in a particular WTC cycle. The percentage point is calculated by dividing the total points won by a team by the maximum available points on offer.

For instance, if a team has played five Test matches in a particular cycle, the maximum points available on offer is 60. If the team won two matches, drew one and lost two, then the points won will be 28. The percentage point will be 28/60, that is, 46.67.

The Indian cricket team started their WTC 2023-25 campaign with a 1-0 win in the two-Test series in the West Indies. From the Caribbean, India travelled to South Africa to eke out a 1-1 draw against the Proteas, including a historic first Test win at Cape Town in January this year.

Though India lost the opening Test against the visiting England early this year, they bounced back in style to win four matches on the trot and also pocketed the five-match Test series 4-1.

What followed was an exhibition of top-notch cricket with India whitewashing neighbours Bangladesh 2-0 in their home assignment. India came back strongly after being in a spot of bother on the first day of the first Test at Chennai to win the match by 280 runs. 

In the second match, they braved the rain which played spoilsport, to win by seven wickets in under two days.

India were sitting comfortably on top of the WTC 2023-25 points table but the recent 0-3 loss at home to New Zealand has pushed it to the second spot behind Australia. New Zealand won their first Test series in India subjecting the host to their first series loss in close to 12 years.

It was also the first time that India lost all the matches in a Test series that had three or more matches.

Currently, India has accumulated 98 points from eight wins, one draw and five losses in 14 matches. The team also lost two points from their tally as a penalty for slow over rate.

With a percentage point of 58.33, India are behind Australia who top the WTC 2023-25 point table with 62.50. Know how India can qualify for the WTC 2025 final.

How can India qualify for WTC 2025 final

India will qualify for the WTC 2023-25 final without depending on any team if they beat Australia by a margin of 5-0 or 4-0, including a draw, in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting on November 22. That will take India’s percentage point to 69.30 (for a 5-0 win) or 65.79 (for 4-0) and Australia will dip to 44.12 or 46.08 accordingly.

In that case, the only team that will have a realistic chance to bypass India will be South Africa. The Proteas have four Tests remaining in their schedule, two each at home against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Winning all four matches will take South Africa to 69.44 and the top spot in the points table.

New Zealand, who have a three-match home series against England, can reach a maximum of 64.29 only and Sri Lanka, who visit South Africa for their remaining two Tests, can attain a best score of 63.64.

But every loss or draw for India in the Australia series will make the qualification scenario more and more complex. Let us have a look at all the scenarios that India may face during the five-Test series against Australia along with the respective percentage points.

Remaining matches	Wins for India	Draws	Losses for India	Points won	Expected Percentage - India	Corresponding expected Percentage - Australia
5	5	0	0	60	69.30	44.12
5	4	1	0	52	65.79	46.08
5	4	0	1	48	64.04	50.00
5	3	2	0	44	62.28	48.04
5	3	1	1	40	60.53	51.96
5	3	0	2	36	58.77	55.88
5	2	3	0	36	58.77	50.00
5	2	2	1	32	57.02	53.92
5	2	1	2	28	55.26	57.84
5	2	0	3	24	53.51	61.76
5	1	4	0	28	55.26	51.96
5	1	3	1	24	53.51	55.88
5	1	2	2	20	51.75	59.80
5	1	1	3	16	50.00	63.73
5	1	0	4	12	48.25	67.65
5	0	5	0	20	51.75	53.92
5	0	4	1	16	50.00	57.84
5	0	3	2	12	48.25	61.76
5	0	2	3	8	46.49	65.69
5	0	1	4	4	44.74	69.61
5	0	0	5	0	42.98	73.53

Losing one Test out of the five will take India’s aggregate below New Zealand if the Kiwis can whitewash England 3-0 in their home series. Anything less than four wins for India will give Sri Lanka a chance of leapfrogging them, though they have a difficult tour of South Africa ahead of them.

India have the risk of Australia also getting past them in case they lose more than two Test matches to the hosts. 

The only relief India will have is that third-placed Sri Lanka are up against South Africa so it will be difficult for both teams to go past them at the same time. Similarly, New Zealand will have a tough task on hand to win all their matches against England.

These factors will work in India’s favour but to have their fate in their own hands, India will need to win four Tests and remain unbeaten throughout the tour to make it to a third-straight WTC final.

Photo credit: Imago

The ICC World Test Championship is the premier Test cricket championship, conducted by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Starting in 2019, New Zealand were the winners of the first edition, where the Indian cricket team finished runner-up.

The WTC follows a league and final format. In the league stage, the percentage of points collected determines the league standings. Regardless of the length of the series, each Test sees 12 points for a win, four for a draw and six for a tie. Each team will play six series - three at home and three away.

As it stands, India are fourth in the WTC 2021-23 points table with a 52.08 win percentage from 12 matches. The previous edition’s runners-up have six wins, four losses and two draws this time. India’s last Test was in July this year, a seven-wicket defeat against England.

India will take on Bangladesh in a two-match Test series starting on December 14 in Chattogram. With Rohit Sharma, Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja injured, the Indian side, led by KL Rahul, has a difficult task ahead of them in spin-friendly conditions.

The current Bangladesh tour includes the six Tests remaining for India in the World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle. Team India will play Australia in four matches in the five-day format at home in February 2023. 

The table-toppers Aussies will face South Africa, currently second in the WTC points table, in three Test matches at home before the India series, meaning that at least one of the top two sides are likely to drop points.

Meanwhile, Pakistan are ruled out of the race to make the WTC final after the 2-0 series defeat to England.

Can India qualify for the WTC 2021-23 final?

India are in the fray to make the World Test Championship final at The Oval in June 2023.

Ideally, Rohit Sharma and Co. would aim to win all six Tests matches, a realistic possibility considering India’s record against Bangladesh and their strength at home. Those wins would give the Indian team a win percentage of 68.06, providing them with a great chance to topple either Australia or South Africa.

However, even a single defeat could put India’s surge for the WTC final at risk. The loss would make it difficult to surpass Australia and South Africa’s win percentages which currently stand at 75 per cent and 60 per cent, respectively.

India have won three Tests on the bounce against Bangladesh, the latest in November 2019. Meanwhile, they have also won three five-day series in a row against Australia. 

 

Photo credit: Alamy

The ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 (WTC) began on August 4, 2021, with the Pataudi Trophy series between England and India.

WTC 2021-23 will be played over two years, with 69 matches across 27 Test series. Each team is scheduled to play six series, three at home and three away.

The ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 will draw to a close with a final featuring the top two teams on March 31, 2023.

ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 records

Highest team total: The record for the highest team total in ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 belongs to India. In the first Test of the two-game series against Sri Lanka, the Rohit Sharma-led India side posted 574/8d with Ravindra Jadeja registering the best all-round performance of an unbeaten 175 and 9/87. The match marked Rohit Sharma’s winning start as Test captain.

Highest team total
Team	Opponent	Score
India	Sri Lanka	574/8d
New Zealand	Bangladesh	521/6d
	South Africa	482

Lowest team total: New Zealand are the unfortunate owners of the record for lowest team total in ICC World Test Championship 2021-23. The Black Caps were bundled out for 62 by India, with Ravichandran Ashwin claiming four wickets for mere eight runs. Only two Kiwi batters reached double figures.

Lowest team total
Team	Opponent	Score
New Zealand	India	62
England	Australia	68
India	England	78

Most runs: England Test skipper Joe Root has scored the most runs in ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 by a mile. The 31-year-old has aggregated 1,008 runs in the tournament and is the first to breach the four-figure mark.

Most runs
Player	Team	Matches	Runs
Joe Root	England	10	1,008
Usman Khawaja	Australia	4	556
KL Rahul	India	7	541

Highest individual score: Tom Latham’s knock of 252 against Bangladesh is the highest individual score in ICC World Test Championship 2021-23.

Highest Individual score
Player	Team	Opponent	Runs
Tom Latham	New Zealand	Bangladesh	252
Azhar Ali	Pakistan	Australia	185
Joe Root	England	India	180*

Most runs in a single series: England’s Joe Root amassed most runs in a single series within the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle. He scored 564 runs in four innings at an average of 94.

Most runs in a single series
Player	Team	Runs
Joe Root	England	564
Rohit Sharma	India	368
Travis Head	Australia	357

Most wickets: The record for most wickets in ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 currently belongs to Jasprit Bumrah. The pacer has scalped 40 wickets in nine matches, with his best bowling performance of 5/24 coming against Sri Lanka. 

Most wickets
Player	Team	Matches	Wickets
Jasprit Bumrah	India	9	40
Shaheen Shah Afridi	Pakistan	6	32
Ollie Robinson	England	8

Best bowling figure: New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel is the player with the best bowling figure in ICC World Test Championship 2021-23. The India-born spinner grabbed a 10-wicket haul in the first innings of the Wankhede Test in 2021 and became the third bowler to take 10 wickets in an innings.

Best bowling figure
Player	Team	Opposition	Bowling figures
Ajaz Khan	New Zealand	India	10/119
Sajid Khan	Pakistan	Bangladesh	8/42
Matt Henry	New Zealand	South Africa	7/23

Most wickets in a single series: Ollie Robinson and Pat Cummins share the joint record for most wickets in a single series within the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle. While Robinson grabbed 21 wickets against India in a four-match series, Australia’s Cummins picked the same number of scalps in the 2021 Ashes.

Most wickets in a single series
Player	Team	Runs
Ollie Robinson	England	21
Pat Cummins	Australia
Kagiso Rabada	South Africa	20

Author: William Paul

Featured photo: AFP / MANJUNATH KIRAN

Senior players returned to the side as India announced its playing XI for the World Test Championship final against New Zealand, which will start on Friday in Southampton’s Rose Bowl stadium.

There were reports that fast bowler Mohammed Siraj would get the nod following his heroics in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy where he ended up as the highest wicket-taker, but the Indian cricket team went with experience for the summit clash.

Shubman Gill has been selected as the opening partner for Rohit Sharma for the WTC final. Other notable absentees are Hanuma Vihari, Wriddhiman Saha and Umesh Yadav.

NEWS

Here's #TeamIndia's Playing XI for the #WTC21 Final pic.twitter.com/DiOBAzf88h

�?BCCI (@BCCI) June 17, 2021

India have gone with two spin bowling all-rounders in Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, while Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami form the pace battery.

Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami’s inclusion comes as a surprise given that they missed the home series against England after picking injuries during the Australia tour. The duo, however, did get some match practice during the 2021 Indian T20 League.

Thunderstorms expected on opening day of WTC final

New Zealand, on the other hand, have decided to wait till the toss to announce their playing XI for the WTC final given the poor weather forecast for Friday. As per the UK met’s office website, a thunderstorm is expected on the opening day. Indian cricket team captain, Virat Kohli, however, said that it had little effect on his team’s playing XI. 

“[The weather] does not change [things] from our point of view as a team," Virat Kohli told the media on the eve of the match. "For us, it is about covering all the bases and making sure that we take the strongest side we can be on the park, which gives us batting depth and gives us enough bowling options as well. 

“We are quite clear in terms of what we want to do. The forecast is something we are not focused on,�?Virat emphasised.

"We are not going to think too much about what might change. We are not bothered with what the weather holds,�?he added. “Do we need to change the outlook of the team altogether? No. Obviously, how you approach the game and the decisions that you make day-to-day alter when the conditions are different. But not your whole team altogether."

India's playing XI for WTC final: Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami

Featured photo: AFP / Peter Parks

India and New Zealand will be playing the World Test Championship (WTC) final in England starting Friday. What are India’s and New Zealand’s chances of winning? What will be the deciding factor? David Gower, a former England captain, provides the answers in this exclusive interview to krikya88vip.com.

What are your views on the World Test Championship?

David Gower: It is a competition that needs to be validated. The fact that we have a final, it is important to be worried about the weather in the UK. If it can be a close contest, it will be very good. It needs some endorsement because there are many people who are partly opposed to it because COVID-19 has interrupted the schedule.

Your thoughts on India and New Zealand and their chances of winning the WTC final?

David Gower: New Zealand, as we have seen in the last few weeks, can be very competitive, as they have beaten England. They could have won that series 2-0. They have played most of their squad in the series. So, they can pick their strongest side for this final. They have a good pace bowling, competitive batting and a good spin as well, making the New Zealand cricket team a very balanced and competitive side.

India is a competitive side not only at home but away as well. England struggled in India a few months ago. India have proven over the last few years that they understand overseas conditions better than they used to, best equipped with pace bowling they have ever been. They obviously have good spin as England found out (recently in India), and we know the Indian cricket team’s batting. We have the two best sides basically, so it will be a good prospect to savour.

Do you have any suggestion for Virat Kohli on what he should do?

David Gower: Virat Kohli is not just one of the world’s best batsmen, he is also a very experienced player. We saw in the previous tours, how much he has improved in English conditions. The problem is that the WTC final is a one-off game, not a five-match series. As a player, you have one chance to make your mark in the final. So, those with the ability and experience are the ones likely to have an effect. If you look at India’s batting, there are half a dozen who can change the course of the game. That is one of the luxuries of playing a one-off game.

What could be the deciding factor for the WTC final?

David Gower: There’s no easy solution to this. Every game of cricket can be decided by one or two outstanding individual performances. Normally on the Southampton pitch, it will provide something for everyone. So, there will be something for the quicks, batsmen and the spinners. But it takes one outstanding innings to take control of the game. It can come from Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, or even Devon Conway. Once you have enough runs on the board, you have a chance to put pressure on the opposition.

There are indications that India will go with two spinners. Do you think that will work?

David Gower: It is a strength because Ravichandran Ashwin is also a very good batsman. He can score hundreds. It depends on which is the other one, they are going to play. I’d be amazed and horrified if it is a big turning pitch. The way the pitch has been made, it will allow something for everyone. Spin will play much later and not early in the game. Good spin will play a part anytime. If you have spinners who can bat a little, you have a great chance of having a nicely balanced team.

What is your prediction for the WTC final and why?

David Gower: Well, I’m worried that it might be a draw because of the weather. If it is five of the best days of weather, I don’t think there is a clear winner. That’s the point of having a WTC final. If I were to say, New Zealand have a slight advantage for having played two Test matches in the last two weeks.

Featured photo: Twitter / England Cricket

The Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team will take on New Zealand in the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) final from June 18 to 22 at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. 

While the Kiwis defeated England by eight wickets in the second and final Test on Sunday and won the two-match series 1-0 - their first series win in England in 22 years, India, on the other hand, completed their preparation for WTC final with the culmination of the intra-squad game.

Ahead of the much-anticipated WTC final, we here bring to you all the updates before the blockbuster final gets underway:

June 17: 11:30 AM: WTC final should have been a three-match series

Cricket great Sachin Tendulkar is of the opinion that the World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand should have been a three-match series and not a one-off match.

"When you play in the 50-over World cup or the T20 championships, you play each side only once, depending on which pool you are in," Tendulkar told CNN News18.

"Then there is continuity and you play only one final. In that case, it’s fair to have one final match. Here, in the world test championship, you (India) play four matches against Australia and four against England in India and suddenly you make it to the final and it is only one match. It should have been a WTC series �?the final series. Ideally should be the best of the 3 matches. It can be decided how you play those matches �?one home, one away or so."

June 16: 07:00 AM: Sanjay Manjrekar picks his India XI for WTC final 

Former India cricketer and now a renowned broadcaster Sanjay Manjrekar has revealed his India’s XI for the WTC final against New Zealand starting on June 18th at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.

Manjrekar opted for Hanuma Vihari instead of Ravindra Jadeja to provide defensive solidity in the lower middle order.

"I'm assuming you have typical English conditions. I'm assuming there will be a mixture of sun and cloudy cover throughout the five days of the Test match if it goes the distance. So, I'm picking the team accordingly," Manjrekar said in an ESPNCricinfo video.

"Going to have Hanuma Vihari to reward him for his brilliant innings before he got injured. India will need somebody with more compact defensive technique. Because the guys at the top of the order, barring (Cheteshwar) Pujara, aren't those kinds. So I will have Hanuma Vihari at number 6. Pant at 7, considering India have hardly had any practice game. I just want to make sure the batting runs deep," Manjrekar added.

In another surprising selection, the 55-year-old selected Mohammed Siraj over Ishant Sharma due to the former's swing bowling ability.

"Want Siraj, the swing bowler to be brought into the equation, and the last time Siraj bowled overseas in Australia, [he] got a five-wicket haul. Hard to leave a bowler like him out.

"You will be tempted to think of Siraj because when you look at Shami, Bumrah and Ishant, they are more seam bowlers, hit-the-deck kind of bowler. Siraj might offer something different. I would go with Siraj, but India might play Ishant for obvious reasons," he added.

Sanjay Manjrekar's playing XI for WTC final: Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (captain), Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

June 15: 8:50 PM: India have to turn fully focussed to beat NZ in WTC final: Sachin Tendulkar

India cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has said that the WTC final between India and New Zealand will be a competitive match and both teams will need to be at their best to come out on top.

"India vs New Zealand will be competitive. Doesn't mean New Zealand will beat us again. They have to play good quality cricket to beat India," Tendulkar was quoted as saying to NDTV.

"For India to beat the Kiwis, we will have to play well in all 3 departments. Those 50 per cent chances need to be converted. We have to turn up fully focussed, fully ready to deliver. That is not when you start figuring out things. You will have to figure out before," he added.

June 15: 05:50 PM: VVS Laxman suggests India's batting order for WTC final

Former India cricketer VVS Laxman said that he would go with five batsmen in India's line-up, with Ravindra Jadeja batting at No. 7.

"I would go with five batsmen, Rishabh as the wicket-keeper batsman at number six, and I've got a lot of belief in Jadeja at number seven and Ashwin at number eight," Laxman said at a press conference organised by Star Sports before the WTC final.

"Jadeja is a more than capable batsman who can now play match-winning knocks under pressure. So, I would back Jadeja to bat at number seven," he added.

June 14: 6:45 PM: ICC reveals prize money for WTC Final, new rule for Test mace

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that the winner of the inaugural World Test Championship final (WTC) between New Zealand and India will walk away with USD 1.6 million, as well as the Test Championship Mace. The runner-up, meanwhile, will take home USD 800,000.

If there is no result by the end of the WTC final, the teams will split up the total prize money of USD 2.4 million.

Additionally, the ICC went on to mention the new rule for the Test mace. The mace, earlier awarded every year to the teams topping the Test team rankings, will now be given to the WTC winners here onwards. Should there be a draw result in the final, both teams will share possession of the mace during the time they remain champions.

June 14: 10:30 AM: Southampton curator aims for 'pace, bounce and carry' in WTC final pitch

Southampton groundsman Simon Lee has said that he is aiming to produce a pacy and bouncy pitch for the World Test Championship (WTC) final with some assistance for spinners later on in the game.

"Pitch preparation for this Test is a little simpler as we are a neutral venue, we are guided by the ICC, but we all want is a good pitch that offers an even contest between the teams," Lee was quoted as saying to ESPNcricinfo.

"For me personally I just want to get something out that has some pace, bounce and carry in the pitch.

"It can be a hard thing to do in England as the weather doesn't help us most of the time, but the forecast in the build-up is good with a lot of sun, so we are hopeful that we'll get some pace and a hard pitch without over-rolling it and killing it," the curator added.

June 13: 10:00 PM: Jadeja hits unbeaten fifty as BCCI shares Day 3 clip

India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja scored an unbeaten half-century on the third day of India’s intra-squad match simulation in Southampton. The BCCI on Sunday posted a video on Twitter and wrote, "@imjadeja gets to his half-century (54* off 76) as play on Day 3 of the intra-squad match simulation comes to end. @mdsirajofficial is amongst wickets with figures of 2/22."

.@imjadeja gets to his half-century (54* off 76) as play on Day 3 of the intra-squad match simulation comes to end.@mdsirajofficial is amongst wickets with figures of 2/22.#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/3tIBTGsD3L

�?BCCI (@BCCI) June 13, 2021

June 12: 7:00 PM: BCCI release Day 2 details of India's intra-squad match

India's Shubhman Gill and Rishabh Pant played big knocks as India continued their intra-squad warm-up match ahead of the WTC final. After Gill started strongly with an 85-run knock, his teammate Pant capitalized on it with an unbeaten 121 on Day 2 of the match.

It's Day 2 of the intra-squad match simulation.

After @RealShubmanGill got a steady start with 85 off 135 deliveries, @RishabhPant17 found his groove with a 121* off 94 deliveries.@ImIshant leads the pack with 3/36 #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/YRNsVjweDt

�?BCCI (@BCCI) June 12, 2021

A good Day 1 at office for #TeamIndia at the intra-squad match simulation ahead of #WTC21 Final pic.twitter.com/TFb06126fr

�?BCCI (@BCCI) June 12, 2021

June 12: 11:30 AM: New Zealand will have the advantage: R Ashwin

Ace Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that the New Zealand cricket team will have an advantage over India as they will come to the World Test Championship final after playing two Test matches against hosts England.

"I expect a very well-planned and well-knit New Zealand team to come at us," Ashwin told ESPNCricinfo, "Obviously having played two Tests, they will definitely come in with an advantage. So we have to adapt to that."

After drawing the first Test match with England at the Lord's which saw New Zealand's Devon Conway hogging the limelight with a double ton on his Test debut, the Kiwis are currently playing the second Test match at Edgbaston.

June 11: 9:10 AM: Harbhajan Singh picks Mohammed Siraj over Ishant Sharma

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has said that Mohammed Siraj would have been picked for the World Test Championship over Ishant Sharma.

"If I was the captain, I would go with three pure fast bowlers. In that case, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami pick themselves. In this final, I would like to go with Mohammed Siraj ahead of Ishant Sharma," Harbhajan told PTI.

"Ishant is a brilliant bowler but for this game, my choice is Siraj, who has shown remarkable improvement in the last two years."

"You have to look at present scenario. Siraj's form, pace and confidence makes him a better choice for this final match. The kind of form he is in last six months, he looks like a bowler who is hungry for his chances. Ishant has gone through some injuries of late but has been a great servant of Indian cricket no doubt," the off-spinner said.

"If you leave some grass on the surface, Siraj with his pace will be lethal. Trust me, New Zealand batters won't find him easy as he not only hits the deck but also gets to move the ball off the pitch at brisk pace. He can create awkward angles for batsmen," India's third highest wicket-taker in Test cricket observed.

June 8: 2:00 AM: Match officials for WTC final announced

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that England’s Richard Illingworth and Michael Gough will be the on-field umpires for the World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand starting on June 18.

ICC Elite Panel match referee and former England opener Chris Broad will be the match referee for the high-profile match.

Richard Kettleborough, also a member of the elite panel, will be the TV umpire, and Alex Wharf of the ICC International Panel of Umpires the fourth official, the ICC said in a statement.

June 7: 2:00 PM: Kane Williamson says WTC brings excitement to Test Cricket

Looking back at their campaign that led New Zealand to become the first finalist of the World Test Championship Final, skipper Kane Williamson has stated that the competition has brought more context to cricket's most traditional format.

While the Kiwis had to win six Tests on the trot to secure a place in the WTC final, India had to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia and see off a tough English side at home across four Test matches, to reach the summit clash.

“They have looked to bring about more context to the Test format and I think we saw it at the end of the competition, teams trying to push their case for qualifying which made way for a lot of exciting results,�?Williamson told ICC.

“I thought it proved to be great adding that context and for us to see ourselves in the position we are in the finals now. It is exciting.

“Obviously the idea behind the tournament structure of Test championship and added points and these sorts of things to entice and improve the brand of the game and I think when it came to the crunch time, you could see the equation of what they had to do to be involved in the final. You saw sides play that way which is what they are after. Hopefully, that has generated a lot of interest from the public and enjoyment of the Test game, which is obviously what cricketers are involved in.

“It is the pinnacle and I certainly enjoy playing it. It has added a good element to the Test format,�?the Kiwi captain added.

June 7: 1:00 PM: No change in follow-on rule, says ICC; provides update on player review

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has come out with a clarification for the extra day added to the World Test Championship (WTC) final, stating that the rule will be followed like any ordinary Test match. This means that even if a day of play is completely washed away, the WTC final can still be a full five-day match.

What is the follow-on rule in cricket? Follow-on in cricket is a rule that can be enforced in a situation when the team batting first has a substantial lead over the team batting second, following the conclusion of each side's first innings. 

if the team batting first takes a lead of 200 runs or more after both sides have had their first innings then they can instruct the other side to 'follow-on', changing the order in which each team bats. Hence, a team batting second in the first innings will bat first in the second innings (ABBA), rather than continuing the usual trend from the start of the match (ABAB).

While the follow-on rule is majorly applied in a five-day Test. it can also be applied for matches with a shorter duration. A lead of 150 is required to enforce the follow-on in a three or four-day match, while a two-day match requires a 100-run lead and a 75-run lead can see a team enforce a follow-on on a one-day game. 

Also, the governing body also provided further information on the newly-introduced 'Player review'. "Previously the playing conditions prevented a player from asking the umpire any questions before launching a review which led to the unreasonable loss of a review when the player and umpire had a different opinion on whether a shot had been played. This has been changed to allow either the fielding captain or the dismissed batter to ask the umpire whether a genuine attempt has been made to play the ball prior to deciding whether to initiate a player review," the ICC noted.

June 6: 11:00 AM: Virat Kohli-led India have an edge going into WTC final, says Dilip Vengsarkar

Former Indian cricket team batsman Dilip Vengsarkar has said that the Virat Kohli-led India are a better side going into the World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton from June 18.

"If you compare the New Zealand team to the Indian team, man to man, India looks the better team. Of course, Trent Boult is a world-class bowler and Kane Williamson is a world-class batsman. But India is a more all-round team," the 65-year-old said.

"We have got quality spinners (Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja), we have got quality fast bowlers (Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj) and quality batters as well," Vengsarkar told Khaleej Times.

June 6: 10:30 AM: Both India and New Zealand are evenly matched: Mike Hesson

Former New Zealand cricket team coach Mike Hesson feels that both India and the Kiwis are evenly matched in the World Test Championship (WTC) final which starts at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on June 18.

"They are even (India and New Zealand). The fact that it's being played at a neutral venue also makes the WTC final an even contest. Assuming there are no injuries in the next couple of weeks, both sides will be at full strength, and we are in for an exciting contest," said Hesson, who took over from John Wright in 2012 and relinquished his post as New Zealand coach in 2018.

"I am keen to see how India's top-order fares against the swinging ball. The ball does a bit in Southampton and as the cross breeze comes into play, it can be a challenge for the batsmen. How the Indian top order plays the New Zealand pacers could decide the outcome," Hesson told The Times of India.

June 4: 1:30 PM: Brett Lee picks his favourites ahead of India vs New Zealand WTC final

SportsAdda's brand ambassador Brett Lee believes that the Kane Williamson-led New Zealand have an edge over the Indian cricket team in the much-anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) final in Southampton.

"I think it is pretty evenly matched there. I am thinking though with the experience of New Zealand because they have bowled in conditions which are similar back home," Lee told the ICC's official website.

"It may be conducive to fast bowling, to swing bowling. So that is where I think that the Kiwis might have an advantage purely from that fact. Now from a batting point of view, both sides have got batsmen that can play against swing bowling. But I think it comes down to bowling. I think whichever team bowls best will win the final."

June 3: 6:00 PM: Kohli-Shastri's leaked conference audio hints at Siraj-Shami combination

Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri are reportedly set to deploy Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami against New Zealand in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, as per a leaked audio clip. Kohli and Shastri, who were due to answer questions at a virtual pre-match conference but their conversation - which hints at possible team combinations - was caught live unbeknownst to them.

In the leaked clip, Virat Kohli is heard saying, “Hum inko round the wicket dalwayenge, Left-handers hai inpe, Lala Siraj sabko start se hi laga denge. (We will get them round the wicket, left-handers are in, Lala (Mohammed Shami) Siraj will put them all from the start.)�?/p>

pic.twitter.com/WKJLQUzjz4

�?DeepaK_17 (@79foreveR_) June 2, 2021

June 2: 6:00 PM: WTC final should be a best-of-three contest, says Ravi Shastri

Team India head coach Ravi Shastri on Wednesday said he would've loved to witness a 'best of three' World Test Championship (WTC) finals against New Zealand but underlined the need for the completion of the current cycle.  

"I think ideally, in the long run, if they want to pursue this Test championship, a best of three final would be ideal. A three-match series as a culmination of two and a half years of cricket," Shastri said during the virtual interaction.

"But they need to finish off the Future Tours Program (FTP) and then start all over again. So one-off is one-off, guys have earned their stripes, and this is not a team that has suddenly blossomed overnight."

June 2: 1:00 PM: Rishabh Pant is a special talent and player to watch: Ashwin

Indian cricket team all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin reckons that Rishabh Pant could be the game-changer for India in the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) final, given his splendid turnaround in form - international and in the Indian T20 League - in 2021.

"We have the luxury of batting the keeper at No. 6 and playing five bowlers, which is so crucial for the combination. His (Rishabh Pant) natural bat swing and fearless approach make him a special player and a talent to watch," Ashwin said.

June 1: 9:30 AM: New Zealand in great place to create history, says Trent Boult

New Zealand pacer Trent Boult has expressed his confidence in his team and stated that the Kiwis are capable of creating history when it clashes with India for the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) title starting on June 18.

"The way the group has travelled and performed around New Zealand and the world, the boys are in a great place to hopefully create a bit of history," Boult told reporters at the Bay Oval.

May 31: 10:30 PM: It's 60-40 in New Zealand's favour against India, says Brendon McCullum

Former New Zealand Bredon McCullum has revealed that the Kiwis have a slight advantage over India in the inaugural WTC final to be played at Southampton, England, beginning on June 18.

"I thought I was getting away with that (this question). I think 60-40, New Zealand. I think it's gonna be close but I think the match practice that New Zealand is going to have against England leading into the final could just tip it their way," McCullum said in an interview.

May 31: 10:00 PM: Indian players' families get clearance to travel with team to UK

A senior BCCI on Tuesday revealed that the families of players and support staff of both the Indian men’s and women’s cricket teams will be allowed to accompany them during their lengthy tour of England this month.

The families will onboard the charter flight that will fly both the men's and women's squads, which will land on June 3 in London.

May 31: 6:30 PM: Don't underestimate New Zealand as underdogs, says Agarkar

Former India pacer Ajit Agarkar has ironed out that the New Zealand cricket team are no longer underdogs in ICC tournaments and that India should not 'underestimate' them.

"I don’t think the Indian team would be guilty to underestimate them (The Kiwis). I think the underdog tag has gone away from New Zealand. Every ICC tournament you look at �?okay, this is the first of its kind, Test championship �?every ICC tournament, whether it’s the T20 World Cup, the Champions Trophy, the World Cup; they always turn up, they’re always there in the thereabout,�?Agarkar said.

The 43-year-old, now a TV Pundit, also gave a reality check on how New Zealand have got the better of the Indian cricket team in recent times.

"They (New Zealand) beat India comprehensively well when India toured New Zealand and the conditions are likely to be very similar to what India got in New Zealand. So, India will have to play well to beat New Zealand in this contest, the former India stalwart added.

May 31: 8:00 AM: Sunny points out the flip side of NZ playing ENG before WTC final

With the New Zealand cricket team scheduled to play two Test matches with England ahead of the World Test Championship final, it is believed that the Kiwis will come to the Rosebowl better acclimatized to the English conditions than the Indian cricket team.

While former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar accepts the advantage of New Zealand from that position, he also pointed out the flip side of the same in his column in The Telegraph.

"The pessimists are suggesting that playing two Tests before the WTC finals will be a huge plus for the Kiwis as they will be match ready and better acclimatised to the conditions," Gavaskar wrote.

"The flip side of playing those two Tests is that New Zealand could get beaten and thus be low on morale when they take on India and there could be some injuries and niggles to some of their key players which can happen in early June in England," he added.

May 30: 12:30 PM: WTC final is like the World Cup final, says Neil Wagner

New Zealand pacer Neil Wagner is leaving no stones unturned for the WTC final as he believes that the upcoming match against India is no less than that the World Cup final because he has never played a white-ball game for his country.

"Yeah, it is like a World Cup final for me," ESPNcricinfo quoted Wagner as saying.

"The biggest disappointment, I guess, in my career is that I've never really played a white-ball game for New Zealand or never been able to crack into the T20 or the one-day game. That ship has probably sailed now and I don't think the opportunity will ever come. For me now, it's about putting all my focus and energy into Test cricket and to be able to play in a World Test Championship final is like a World Cup for me," he added.

May 29: 4:42 PM: Ashwin talks about India's chances against New Zealand

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that India can replicate their performance of the Australia series in the World Test Championship final. India came back from 1-0 down to win the series 2-1 despite having several senior players out injured. 

“Once we go there I think the Indian team will adapt quickly and perform like we did in Australia, Ashwin told New Indian Express.

“We are at least another week to 10 days away from even practising for the first time. Most of the players have not played cricket since the IPL was called off. So, I think that is one of the biggest challenges,�?he said.

May 29: 10:10 AM: Michael Vaughan names three players to keep an eye on

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has backed New Zealand to beat India in the World Test Championship final, considering the fact that the Kiwis are more acclimatized to the conditions than the Men in Blue. Now, the former batsman has named three players who he believes could make a stern impact in the high-profile fixture. 

"First is Kyle Jamieson as he's had a magnificent start to his Test career. Next is Rishabh Pant as he's the star of the world game. He has been incredible over the last few months, especially against Australia and England. Next, I'll go with BJ Watling in his swansong as he's been a fantastic servant for New Zealand cricket," Vaughan told CricTracker.

May 25: 12:30 PM: Weather conditions in England might just favour New Zealand, says Kiwi legend Richard Hadlee

Former New Zealand fast bowler Richard Hadlee has said that the cold overhead conditions in England might just favour New Zealand a bit in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

“It all comes down as to who is better prepared and who adapts better to the English conditions the quickest," was quoted as saying to ICC. 

 “The weather may also play a part and if it is cold that will favour New Zealand. The Duke ball will suit both team’s fast bowlers especially the genuine swing bowlers and the Kiwis are well served in that department with Southee, Boult and Jamieson.”�?/span>

May 25: 11:00 AM: Kohli, Rohit join Team India in Mumbai for hard quarantine

India captain Virat Kohli, his white-ball deputy Rohit Sharma and head coach Ravi Shastri joined the England-bound squad's bio-bubble on Tuesday as it began its eight-day hard quarantine along with the women's team.

May 19: 6:00 PM: Ashwin, Siraj reach Mumbai in charter flight, begin quarantine

Indian cricket team members reached Mumbai to begin their 14-day quarantine before leaving for their respective tours of England. The BCCI on Wednesday posted pictures of cricketers Ravichandran Ashwin, women's team captain Mithali Raj, pacer Mohammed Siraj and opening batsman Mayank Agarwal in the charter plane the board has arranged for players to come to Mumbai.

First stop, Mumbai #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/Dieotl3GrF

�?BCCI (@BCCI) May 19, 2021

May 7: 7:00 PM: India announce squad for WTC final 

The BCCI announced a 20-man Indian squad for the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand and the five-match Test series against England

Here is the full India Test squad: Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), R. Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Md. Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav, KL Rahul (subject to fitness clearance), Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper; subject to fitness clearance).

India's squad: Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane (VC), Rohit Sharma, Gill, Mayank, Cheteshwar Pujara, H. Vihari, Rishabh (WK), R. Ashwin, R. Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Bumrah, Ishant, Shami, Siraj, Shardul, Umesh.

KL Rahul & Saha (WK) subject to fitness clearance.

�?BCCI (@BCCI) May 7, 2021

Standby players: Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan, Arzan Nagwaswalla

April 7: 11:30 PM: New Zealand announce 20-member squad for WTC final

New Zealand named a 20-member squad for their World Test Championship final against India. 

The Kane Williamson-led side included three uncapped players - Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway and Jacob Duffy. The squad will then be trimmed to 15 for the World Test Championship final at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton starting on June 18, as per ICC regulations.

New Zealand full squad for WTC final: Kane Williamson (captain), Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Tom Blundell, Ross Taylor, BJ Watling (wicket-keeper), Tom Latham, Daryll Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, Doug Bracewell, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will Young

Play the World Test Championship (WTC) Quiz and win prizes. Start here.

Featured photo: Randy Brooks / AFP

New Zealand recently named spinner Ajaz Patel in their 15-man squad to take on India in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Southampton. After his impressive four-wicket haul in the recently concluded second Test against England at Edgbaston, 32-year-old Ajaz is likely to take the field as the only spinner for New Zealand at Southampton. 

That said, going by the history, match-up and conditions on offer at the Rose Bowl, the New Zealand cricket team will be better off playing without any spinner, let alone Ajaz Patel. Here’s why the left-arm spinner needs to be omitted for the one-off Test against the Indian cricket team.

Conditions not conducive for spin bowling 

With overcast conditions and rain predicted for the entire course of the Test match, chances of a spinner taking wickets will be limited. Moreover, the seamer-friendly conditions will also encourage captain Kane Williamson to employ his seamers for extended periods. Furthermore, history suggests that spinners haven’t succeeded at the Rose Bowl, barring Moeen Ali’s 17-wicket haul against India in the two Tests in 2014 and 2018. It is also not to be forgotten that India briefly treated Moeen Ali as Muttiah Muralitharan thanks to their listless and reckless batting. Aside from off-spinner Ali’s exploits, the spinners have only taken 24 wickets in six matches at Southampton. Going by the history and weather forecast, Ajaz Patel is likely to remain ineffective in the WTC final. 

Awesome foursome pace attack 

New Zealand are fortunate to have four quality seamers firing in tandem. Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner and Kyle Jamieson appear to be in their best physical shape ahead of the all-important game. Moreover, these pacers have been instrumental in helping New Zealand get to the very top of the ICC Test rankings. While one may argue on their limited exposure in overseas conditions in the last couple of years, their recent heroics against England was enough to justify their skills. 

In the first Test at Lord’s, it was the pair of Southee and Jamieson that dented England. Not ones to be left behind, Boult and Wagner's performance with the ball helped the Kiwis beat the hosts England at Edgbaston. Besides their current form, the aforementioned pacers also lend variety to the Kiwi pace attack. While Southee and Boult can nail batsmen with their seam and swing, lanky Jamieson will cause problems with his disconcerting bounce. As far as bowler longer and probing spells, there are not many better than Wanger. But perhaps, more importantly, it is the vulnerability of the Indian batting against quality pace bowling that should encourage New Zealand to field their leading bowlers at the Rose Bowl. 

Avoid redundancy 

A spinner’s role in the side is to pick wickets and not hold one end up, at least in Test cricket. Given the conditions and India’s fluency in tackling spinners as compared to England, it is tough to see Ajaz Patel picking wickets in the WTC final, let alone running through the Indian batting. Moreover, if the Kiwis include Ajaz Patel in their playing XI, then they would be forced to sacrifice on one of their form pacers. With rough weather predicted, frequent stoppages in play is likely. Therefore, the ball is expected to retain its shine, which will only encourage Kane Williamson to stick to his seamers. Playing Ajaz Patel as a holding spinner, only to give pacers respite will not drive the game forward, but might give India an opening to score quick runs.

Written by: Vivek Krishnan

Featured photo: AFP / Paul Ellis

The Indian cricket team is set to take on New Zealand at Southampton in the World Test Championship final.

The WTC final will be held from June 18 to 22, with June 23 kept as a reserve day.

New Zealand, ranked second in the ICC Test rankings, were the first team to qualify for the final after Australia’s tour of South Africa was postponed earlier this year. 

India, on the other hand, had to make a momentous comeback in their four-match home Test series against England. But a 3-1 win meant India not only qualified for the WTC final but also topped the World Test Championship points table.

The India vs New Zealand match in the WTC final will be exciting, but the nature of the format is such that there are chances that the match might end in a draw.

What if the World Test Championship final is a draw

India holding the top spot in the WTC points table does not mean they will be given the title if the match is drawn.

Should rain play spoilsport, a reserve day of June 23 has been assigned to make up for lost time. However, the match will be declared a draw should there be no result even after the reserve day.

If the WTC final ends in a draw, then both teams will be declared as joint winners of the World Test Championship. There is no tie-breaker scheduled.

The reserve day will only be considered if there is a substantial loss in the net playing time or a considerable loss of overs in the initial five days. Net playing time for every Test translates to 30 hours of play; six hours per day or 90 overs per day.

The reserve day will come into effect if the set time of six hours is not fulfilled or the full quota of 90 overs per day is not completed. To explain it in simple words; suppose an hour's play is lost on the first day of the Test due to rain or any other reason, then the teams can make up for the loss by the end of the same day.

But if you lose an entire day then you are certain to fall short on net playing time. This is when the reserve day will be used.

Since the end of the England tour in 2018, India captain Virat Kohli’s form has tapered off. The dip is especially apparent in Kohli’s away record; he averages only 31.41 from nine overseas Test matches after England 2018, a tour on which he had amassed 593 runs from five Tests at an average of 59.30, including two centuries, a 97 and two more half-centuries.

Kohli’s away Test record

Until England 2018	Metrics	After England 2018
39	Matches	9
3226	Runs	534
47.44	Average	31.41
13	Centuries	1
9	Fifties	4
59.09	Conversion rate	20.00
57.15	Strike rate	42.51
83	Balls per dismissal	74

For a batsman who has scored an astonishing 70 centuries in international cricket, Kohli has surprisingly not made any hundred in any format of the game since his 136 against Bangladesh in India’s inaugural day-night Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata in November 2019. His last overseas Test century came at Perth against Australia in December 2018.

Kohli’s century drought across formats

Until November 2019	Metrics	After November 2019
395	Matches	40
70	Centuries	0
98	Fifties	17
41.67	Conversion rate	0

Kohli’s century drought in Test cricket

Until November 2019	Metrics	After November 2019
84	Matches	7
27	Centuries	0
22	Fifties	3
55.1	Conversion rate	0

Although he has scored two Test centuries in England and one in New Zealand, Kohli’s record in those two countries is nowhere near as good as his record in the other two ‘SENA�?nations: Australia and South Africa.

Kohli’s SENA record

Metrics	South Africa	England	New Zealand	Australia
Matches	5	10	4	13
Runs	558	727	252	1352
Average	55.80	36.35	36.00	54.08
Centuries	2	2	1	6
Fifties	2	3	1	4

The World Test Championship final against New Zealand will be played in Southampton, England. And Kohli will derive confidence from the fact that his 2018 England tour performance is his second-best in a SENA country in a Test series of three or more matches. His finest away series performance till date is the 692 runs he scored against Australia in 2014-15 with four hundreds at an average of 86.50.

Featured photo: AFP / Marty Melville

India will take on New Zealand in the final of the World Test Championship at The Rose Bowl in Southampton from June 18. 

While New Zealand are currently playing England in a two-Test series at Lord’s, London and Edgbaston, Birmingham, Virat Kohli’s men are confined to practice sessions inside their bio-bubble at the team hotel inside the Southampton stadium complex.

We undertake a SWOT analysis of the two WTC finalists:

Strengths

Undoubtedly the pace bowling, more so for New Zealand as they demonstrated in the Lord’s Test against England. Even in the absence of Trent Boult, the New Zealand seam attack of Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson, Neil Wagner and Colin de Grandhomme generated the most swing by any visiting side in England since 2006.

India are not too far behind with the likes of Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah having given a good account of themselves on the previous England tour in 2018. Kohli also has strong back-up options in Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur.

India certainly have the edge in the spin department, with the batting abilities of R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar an added advantage. Depending on the weather, Southampton can aid spin; India had succumbed to Moeen Ali’s off-spin and lost the Test series there in 2018.

Weaknesses

Barring Kohli, who had a memorable tour with nearly 600 runs, India’s batting never came close to dominating in 2018 in England. And in their previous outing against New Zealand in 2020, India managed 165, 191, 242 and 124 in the two Tests in Wellington and Christchurch.

They will also likely have a fresh opening pair with no experience of facing the new Dukes ball in English conditions. KL Rahul has, but he is no longer the preferred opener, having fallen behind Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal and Shubman Gill.

Meanwhile, injuries to skipper Kane Williamson and left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner will leave New Zealand a bit worried. Williamson is sitting out the Edgbaston Test with elbow trouble but should be back for the WTC final. New Zealand are already no match for India on the spin front, and they will hope Santner’s finger injury heals in time for Southampton.

One key factor could be the absence of Hardik Pandya, who provided all-round balance to the side on the 2018 England tour. New Zealand have de Grandhomme to perform that role.

Opportunities

New Zealand have three left-handers in the top five in Tom Latham, Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls. Ashwin had nailed the left-handed England opener Alastair Cook cheaply both times in the tour opener in Edgbaston in 2018. Kohli may look at using the off-spinner early to try and surprise the Kiwi line-up.

The Kiwis will surely look to get rid of the less experienced Indian openers early so that they can expose the veteran middle order to the new ball.

Threats

India have all right-handers until Rishabh Pant comes in. They will have to be extra careful against the left-arm angle of Boult and Wagner.

In case India decide to play two spinners, it will pose a completely different challenge for New Zealand compared to what they will have faced against England.

Play the World Test Championship (WTC) Quiz and win prizes. Start here.

Featured photo: AFP / Peter Parks