India, June 12 -- Bang in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, India had fought back against all odds to secure a dramatic second successive series win in Australia in January 2021, then bounced back from the loss of the first Test in Chennai against England to surge to a 3-1 triumph in March to secure their place in the final of the World Test Championship against New Zealand in June.

With the quarantine restrictions in place, a large contingent left for Southampton hoping to lay their hands on the one trophy yet to adorn their cupboard, but disappointment was in store when the Kiwis eased to an eight-wicket victory. India were to play five subsequent Tests in England, their first assignment in the new WTC cycle, but the first game woul...