The upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) Final between India and Australia, set to begin on June 7 at The Oval, has already generated considerable interest. With the match being held in a neutral location, several issues have been discussed, including the playing conditions and rule changes.

The type of ball to be used in the high-stakes match has recently become a topic of discussion in the media. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting had suggested that the Australian-made Kookaburra ball would be used, but a BCCI official has denied this and confirmed that the Duke's ball will be used instead.

The Indian team has already begun practising with the Duke's ball, even providing it to their pacers during the IPL to prepare for the final, according to the official. The decision to use the Duke's ball corresponds to the swing-friendly conditions in England, where the match will be held. The Duke's ball, with its extra lacquer and traditional blood cherry colour, keeps its shine for a longer period of time, allowing for swing bowling for up to 60 overs. This ball selection is expected to bring both teams' pacers into play.

The Indian team's support staff and a few players have already left for England, with Axar Patel and Shardul Thakur among the first. Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ravichandran Ashwin are among the senior players expected to join the squad soon.

With no warm-up games scheduled in the first week of June, an intra-squad match to help players adjust to the demands of red-ball cricket after a hectic T20 season is a possibility.

The stage is set for an exciting clash between two cricketing titans, with the Duke's ball expected to add a new dimension to the game. Fans are looking forward to the WTC Final, which promises to be a display of skill and strategy in the pursuit of Test cricket's ultimate glory.