Whatever be the outcome of the inaugural World Test Championship final in Southampton, the Indian thinktank’s decision to go in with three fast bowlers and two spinners in cold and blustery conditions will remain a huge surprise.

Even the rain and chill did nothing to sway Virat Kohli from his game plan in what is supposed to be conditions tailor-made for swing bowling. The Indian captain’s confidence stems from the fact that the attack is balanced for all surfaces. Perhaps therein lies India’s success story and it will be interesting to see whether Kohli’s logic holds true.

When the Test finally got underway on the second day, Williamson had no hesitation in putting India into bat on a wicket with a tinge of green and which has been under cover for a couple of days. The ball swung right through the day and the Indians did well to finish on 146 for three when bad light stopped play after tea.

If the openers flattered to deceive, Kohli once again showed why the big occasions always tend to bring the best out of him. He controlled the innings with his masterly touch, always living up to the bowlers’ probing challenge and playing as late as possible.

New Zealand’s all-seam attack looked a bit nervy at the start with Trent Boult and Tim Southee lacking discipline. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill’s cool demeanour showed in their no-nonsense approach as they quelled the early threat with poise and determination. Had they managed to hang on till lunch, Williamson would have been left to repent his decision.

Both the openers preferred to stand outside the crease in a bid to negate the swing, though very little was on show in the opening hour. But once the lacquer came off, the Dukes ball did show significant movement, especially when Kyle Jamieson and Neil Wagner were bowling.

Shubman’s daredevilry at stepping out against Jamieson didn’t pay off as he was struck on the helmet trying to pull a snorter. Both openers were dismissed in quick succession after the 62-run partnership once Jamieson and Wagner took over the attack.

Just when Rohit (34) was looking to replicate his ominous 2019 World Cup form, Southee made up for his expensive opening spell with a brilliant diving catch at slip. The limited overs vice-captain had been in two minds while countering that full delivery from Jamieson.

Shubman (28) departed in Wagner’s first over, the late swing resulting in the nick behind the stumps. The pressure started to tell on the batsmen as even singles were hard to come by.

Wagner tested Pujara’s laboured presence with some short stuff before striking on the helmet to disturb his concentration. Boult made full use of the conditions in his second spell to remove the No. 3 batsman with an incoming delivery.

Thereafter it was all about Kohli’s skilful batting and Ajinkya Rahane’s dour approach during their unbroken 58-run stand. The Indian captain’s unbeaten 44 isn’t enough to show the impact he created on the bowlers.