Parthiv Patel believes that Virat Kohli's exhibition with the bat will hold the way into India's possibilities in the WTC final.
Seamer Dane Paterson took a career-best 5-71 and Temba Bavuma was unbeaten on 48 as South Africa closed the third day
IMAGES from Day 2 of the WTC Final played between Australia and India at The Oval in London on Thursday.
Given the Indian batting line-up's weakness against swinging deliveries, New Zealand could go in with an all-pace attack with the pitch likely to offer pace and bounce.
'I don't know how we approach this kind of an itinerary where you go for a holiday in between and then come back to play Test matches. One week break was enough post the WTC final. The thing is you need to play continuously. I am amazed this itinerary was approved.'
Head coach Rahul Dravid and his team will assemble at the National Cricket Academy on Tuesday to start preparations for the World Test Championship final in June.
South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj believes his team deserves to lift the World Test Championship trophy after their consistent performances throughout the cycle.
India overtook Australia after their thumping 295-run win in the first Test in Perth.
The inaugural WTC final is scheduled to be held in Southampton from June 18-22.
Cummins, Hazlewood ruled out of Champions Trophy.
New Zealand's chances of delivering a famous series whitewash in India will depend on how well they adapt to the Mumbai pitch
India stayed on course to make it to their third straight WTC final.
India captain Virat Kohli is not too concerned about the limited preparation time that his team will get for the ICC World Test Championship final against New Zealand as he believes that it has the requisite understanding of conditions from its past experience of playing in England.
Australia Test captain Pat Cummins is eyeing the upcoming Indian Premier League as his comeback platform from an ankle injury and has expressed confidence in regaining full fitness ahead of the World Test Championship final against South Africa, starting June 11 at Lord's.
Shubman Gill is all set to open with Rohit Sharma after he was named in India's 15-man squad for the ICC World Test Championship final against New Zealand, in Southampton, from June 18.
Ricky Ponting believes that India will play both Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin in the World Test Championship final against Australia, starting June 7.
The Indian players played in the IPL before the T20 league was suspended due to coronavirus.
Australia bowled out Sri Lanka for 231 in the hosts' second innings and then chased down the target of 75 losing the lone wicket of opener Travis Head.
India and New Zealand will lock horns for the inaugural WTC title from June 18-22, four days after the Test series against England
'The Goal is clear, to make another comeback to Team India. There is a belief in me that I will make a comeback.'
Dravid insisted his team is not feeling any pressure going into the World Test Championship final against Australia.
What went wrong for India in the World Test Championship Final against New Zealand?
The Australian team will prepare for the six Tests by undergoing a high-intensity training camp in Beckenham, featuring centre-wicket practice and net sessions.
'Congratulations Team India for winning the series and getting to the finals of WTC'
Travis Head's blistering century powered Australia's innings on Day 2 of the second Test against India
It was India's fourth loss in the current WTC cycle, causing their PCT to drop from 68.06 to 62.82.
But the 32-year-old with 302 Test wickets didn't deny that it was indeed a great opportunity to gear up for the big battle against India.
Warner has also taken aim at his Ashes nemesis England veteran pacer Stuart Broad, implying that he will not be the force that derailed the opening batter's 2019 trip this time.
'I know he is on record saying that the Test match game is probably a little bit hard on his body. But for a one-off game... he's been bowling every game through this IPL and he's bowling quick.'
One of New Zealand's most successful coaches who is now currently director of cricket at the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mike Hesson expects Rohit and Gill to open but wants Agarwal, who lost his spot in the eleven after two Tests in Australia, to be given a chance.
ICC acting CEO Geoff Allardice said that would be possible only 'in a perfect world'.
Williamson agreed that getting Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara out early did set it up nicely for them.
India finished top of the ICC World Test Championship standings after crushing England by an innings and 25 runs in the fourth and final Test in Ahmedabad on Saturday, to claim the series 3-1.
Konstas heads home but not out of Test team's plans
Top Australia batter Travis Head on Saturday shattered day-night Test records at Adelaide, continuing his golden run against India.
Team India is all set to take on Australia in the final of the ICC World Test Championship final from Wednesday at The Oval and this 'Ultimate Test' also brings with it a set of milestones that players can establish during the course of the match.
Tim Southee is eyeing the third Test against England as his swan song in the format but will make himself available for selection if the Black Caps make the WTC final next year.
'He is a brilliant player, the way he started in one-day cricket, he has been exceptional. He has been a huge part of India's success at top of the order.'
Langer remains hopeful for Kohli's comeback, saying, "I just hope, if this is the last time (Kohli) is out here, people enjoy it because he is a superstar."
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