WTC Final: New Zealand's predicted playing XI for the clash against India

After a morale-boosing Test series win over England, New Zealand will face off against India in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) starting on June 18.

Captian Kane Williamson and wicket-keeper BJ Watling suffered injuries during the England series, but both of them have been cleared to play in Southampton. Mitchell Santner, who has been rather unimpressive in the Test format over the last few months, has been left out of the squad.

New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (c), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling and Will Young

Here is New Zealand's predicted playing XI for the WTC final against India.

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Openers: Tom Latham, Devon Conway

England v New Zealand: Day 4 - Second Test LV= Insurance Test Series

Two Tests ago, one half of New Zealand's opening combination wasn't certain, with Tom Blundell among those in contention for the spot. But after a Man of the Series display in his debut outing for the Blackcaps in red-ball cricket, Devon Conway has put his slot as Tom Latham's opening partner beyond doubt.

Conway has shattered run-scoring records since making his international debut for New Zealand, and Latham is one of the most technically sound openers in world cricket at the moment. Both southpaws will have a task on their hands against Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, but they certainly have the tools to succeed.

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Middle Order: Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (wk)

England v New Zealand: Day 3 - Second Test LV= Insurance Test Series

Having recovered from an elbow niggle that kept him out of New Zealand's playing XI for the second Test against England, captain Kane Williamson will return to take his rightful place at No. 3. The Kiwi skipper will be keen on correcting his indifferent record against India in Tests and also on finally clearing the last hurdle in an ICC tournament.

Ross Taylor has been ever-present for New Zealand across formats. He broke a dry run of form with an 80 in the first innings of the second Test against England, and will take heart from the knock.

Henry Nicholls, one of the most underrated and consistent batsmen in the side, will slot in below Taylor at No. 5. His doggedness and ability to bat with the tail are his key attributes.

BJ Watling, who will play his final Test for the Blackcaps in the WTC final, will don the gloves and look to sign off on a high. Undoubtedly one of the best Test glovemen in the world at the moment, the 35-year-old won't be easy to displace from the crease.

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All-rounder: Kyle Jamieson

England v New Zealand: Day 4 - First Test LV= Insurance Test Series

This is where there's some doubt regarding New Zealand's possible strategy for the WTC final. Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry and Ajaz Patel are locked in a fight for one spot in the playing XI, and the outcome of this battle will determine who bats at No. 7.

But the most likely playing XI for England features Kyle Jamieson at No. 7 and Ajaz Patel as the lone spinner, meaning De Grandhomme and Henry miss out. Is Jamieson good enough to bat at No. 7? His Test batting average certainly suggests he is.

Since New Zealand already have four world-class pacers, they don't need to play either Henry or De Grandhomme, even if their batting is weakened slightly by the inclusion of Patel. The fact that the 34-year-old all-rounder didn't play in the second Test might be a sign that he isn't in the team's plans for the WTC final, although he could have been rested to preserve him for the summit clash.

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Bowlers: Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner, Ajaz Patel

England v New Zealand: Day 1 - Second Test LV= Insurance Test Series

Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Neil Wagner make up a fearsome pace trio in the lower order. All three bowlers are among the best in the world in Test cricket, with the left-armers having troubled the Indian batsmen in the past. Southee has a superb record in England and has plundered wickets over the two calendar years.

Patel may not have a massive role to play in Southampton, especially if the conditions are overcast. But as a left-arm spin option who can bowl consistently and act as a wicket-taker, he could produce a Moeen Ali-esque impact against Virat Kohli's side.