WTC Final against New Zealand will be a big first for Team India in Test cricket

The first ever neutral Test was played over a century ago, when South Africa lost by an innings and 88 runs to Australia in Manchester, in the May of 1912.

The World Test Championship Final between India and New Zealand at Southampton will be a unique match in the history of Indian cricket. When Virat Kohli and his team step on to the field at the Rose Bowl on June 18, 2021, they will become the first Indian players to compete in a Test match in a neutral venue.

Indian captain Virat Kohli with teammates during a Test match against England (PTI)

Yes, it will be India's first ever neutral Test and they will become the 11th country to play a Test match in a neutral venue. The first ever neutral Test was played over a century ago, when South Africa lost by an innings and 88 runs to Australia in Manchester, in the May of 1912.

The Proteas played their second Test against Australia at Lord's and lost by 10 wickets in July 2012 and the third Test at Nottingham between the two teams was drawn in the month of August.

This will be the first time India will lock horns in a neutral venue. It should come as good news for the Indians as their record away from home against the Kiwis is not that great, having won just one match from 18 outings in New Zealand in a span of 40 years.

The Indian though will be confident going into the series after back to back victories over the formidable Australians in their own backyard and then stopping England's great run in Asia with three consecutive wins at home.

But Kane Williamson and his team have always posed problems for Kohli's team, across formats and this will be another tough test.