The ICC World Test Championship final has been marred by rain and bad light in Southampton. The final has only seen 143 overs been bowled in four days at the Ageas Bowl so far. Cricketer turned Commentator Nasser Hussain says that resuming at 101/2 on Day 5 and with a reserve day in play, New Zealand are ahead of India in the game at the moment.
In a video tweeted by the ICC, Nasser Hussain, and Craig McMillan preview day five of the World Test Championship Final between India and New Zealand.
If they (New Zealand) can make it into a three innings game, bat whole day tomorrow (day 5) then they make it a three innings game because they have a lead and then there is really only one winner. So I think its advantage New Zealand.
“It’s advantage New Zealand, but it’s a pitch you can get rolled on.”@Nassercricket and @cmacca10 preview day five of the #WTC21 Final. pic.twitter.com/UuqKhv62Ab
— ICC (@ICC) June 22, 2021
Nasser Hussain also believes that if India turn up on Day 5 and bowl New Zealand out early then Virat Kohli might declare and we may have a chance to see a run chase on the reserved day of the finals.
So India, if they turn up tomorrow, bowl New Zealand out for a level peg score on first innings, then its gonna be in Virat Kohli’s hands because he might have to gamble a little bit, might have to set up a declaration and wouldn’t that be great on day six if there’s bit of a run chase.
Craig McMillan emphasized on how difficult has it been for the batsman to score runs as the scoring rate has been just over two throughout the test match.
Its been hard scoring. Its been lot of help for the bowlers so batting’s been difficult. Scoring rates only been 2.27 runs per over throughout the whole test match which I think is the lowest rate in the test match in the UK this century. So scoring runs hasn’t been that easy. New Zealand will want the first innings lead. So if that happens they will want to get ahead of India, and that will give them some safety in the match.
Weather forecast for Day 5
The weather forecast for Day 5 of the World Test Championship final at Southampton looks promising for the fans as it is predicted to stay dry during match hours. With a reserved day in play, fans will be hoping for a result.