The inaugural world Test championship will be decided from Friday between favoured India and No.1-ranked New Zealand in Southampton.
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There's been very little local hype, to no surprise, with England not involved.
Also, the two-year world Test championship has been disrupted and disjointed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
But, suitably, the two form teams have reached the final, which was moved from Lord's because Southampton's Rose Bowl facility has hotel accommodation to guarantee a bio-bubble.
India start as favourites because of the greater options at their disposal, but will go in under prepared.
Because India is reeling from COVID-19, Virat Kohli's men had to spend 14 days in quarantine in Mumbai, then another 10 in Southampton.
Only since Sunday have the players been allowed to train together, undertaking match simulation exercises to try and compensate for the lack of a proper warm-up match.
"Little preparation time is a bit of a disadvantage maybe, but if you're ready for the challenge, even if circumstances aren't favourable, you'd do well," India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara said.
"We're confident as a team. Maybe a few extra days of preparation would've helped, but we can't complain. We're ready."
New Zealand warmed up well in the Tests against England and dominated both, winning the second match at Edgbaston inside four days without captain Kane Williamson, Tim Southee and wicketkeeper BJ Watling, who is ending his 12-year international career after the WTC final.
"Hopefully, I'll leave New Zealand cricket in a good space," Watling said.
Together with Ross Taylor and Trent Boult, the five players have been the spine of New Zealand's great Test era.
The team at Edgbaston had six changes, and such is New Zealand's depth that player of the match Matt Henry is likely to miss out against India.
The weather may decide the outcome - after four weeks of dry conditions, showers are in the forecast for Southamptom.
Despite featuring adventurous captains Williamson and Kohli, and an extra reserve day, the final is at the mercy of the conditions.
If the outcome is a draw, the trophy - and the $US2.4 million ($A3.2m) in prize money - will be shared.
Australian Associated Press
