The final of the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship (WTC) has arrived. The two teams, India and New Zealand will square off in a winner-takes-all match, with the ICC Test Mace and the WTC trophy at stake. The Indian team had announced it’s playing XI a day before the final is set to be played.
Unfortunately for both the teams and cricketing fans around the world, the gloomy weather at Southampton is set to play spoilsport during the mega event. In the latest pictures posted by the BCCI on its official Twitter handle, we can see the pitch and the adjoining areas being covered and the rain has been relentless so far.
Good morning from Southampton. We are just over an hour away from the scheduled start of play but It continues to drizzle here. The match officials are on the field now. ☔ #WTC21 pic.twitter.com/Kl77pJIJLo
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 18, 2021
First session of the match has been called off – BCCI
According to the reports, the weather forecast for the final is something the teams will be disheartened by. Throughout the five days of the match, we’re expected to have cloud cover with chances of rain.
According to weather forecast website AccuWeather, there is a 65 per cent chance of rain on the first day, followed by 60 per cent on Day 2. Day 3 sees a drop in the prediction with a 56 per cent chance of rain, with 65 per cent on Day 4 and 63 per cent on Day 5.
BCCI officially announced the cancellation of the first session for the Test match. The match was scheduled to start at 3pm IST, with the toss taking place at 2:30pm IST. However, due to increasing rain and wet outfield, play is not possible and the BCCI confirmed the same.
Update: Unfortunately there will be no play in the first session on Day 1 of the ICC World Test Championship final. #WTC21
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 18, 2021
The second session of Day 1 is set to start at 5:40pm IST. However, unless the rain gods have mercy on the cricket fans, we’re set to encounter a rather somber day.