The World Test Championship final begins on Friday, and the surface readings, the squad balance and the recent form of both sides point to a Test that may not produce a result inside five days. We set out what the data says and what each manager has done at the toss for the past year.
Conditions
Pace and carry from the surface are the things that have defined similar matches in the past three years. We look at what the morning readings of the strip are likely to mean for the captain's decision at the toss.
Squad balance
Both sides have at least one selection question to resolve. We name them, with the kind of depth chart reading that is more useful than reading the press conference aloud.
Recent form
The series scoreline between these sides tells a different story than the global form guide. We explain why, with head-to-head and venue-specific numbers.
Our verdict
The most likely outcome, on the data, is a draw or a fourth-innings chase in the final session of the fifth day. We publish the model and the inputs on the methodology page so the reasoning can be checked.
Match data
Live scoring feeds have been quiet for the past 24 hours while the venue is being prepared. The coverage status page is updated when feeds reopen.