A very dull and grim day for the cricketing fans is met with an inevitable end as the first day’s play between India and New Zealand is called off without a ball being bowled. The much-anticipated clash between the Men in Blue and the Kiwis never took off as the persistent rain at the Ageas Bowl canceled out any possible cricketing action on Day 1.
There was some hope when news broke out about an official investigation at 7:30 pm IST. However, the dogged showers came back to intervene once more and washed away any resemblance of hope that remained. The weather forecast for the remaining days of the final are not particularly inspiring either, with cloudy conditions and more rain predicted.
Luckily for the fans, since its an ICC event, a reserve day is kept in store for the final. In case there are interruptions to the game in the first five days – In other words, if there is a loss of playtime, the use of a reserve day will be announced on the fifth day.
As the day went by without any cricketing action, fans were left fuming in regards to the venue for the final and the English weather in particular. They engaged in fun-filled meme sessions of their own, trying to take their minds off the gloomy start to the final.
Here are some reactions after the washout on Day 1:
😭😭😭😭😭🥺 whyyyt pic.twitter.com/xWKb7vkswY
— ηєнα (@_dreamer__neha) June 18, 2021
https://twitter.com/viratian18184/status/1405884718424354816?s=20
The actual playing XI in Southampton today:
1. Dark Clouds
2. Drizzle
3. Showers
4. Rain (c)
5. Covers(wk)
6. Super sopper
7. Badlight
8. We outfield (VC)
9. Damp pitch
10. Delay
11. ICC's callousness.#worldtestchampionshipfinal#IndiaVsNewZealand— Supriyo Paul (@imvicky0505) June 18, 2021
New jersey announced pic.twitter.com/ZoW04NoKRa
— Sagi 💬 (@TheHexagonstar) June 18, 2021
Overzealous Indian cricket fans in English stadiums on every major ICC tournament matchday pic.twitter.com/8hhBMfKe8P
— Constructively Candid (@Candid_JJ) June 18, 2021
R Sridhar hints that India might change their announced playing XI
The fielding coach hinted that India will look at the playing conditions and make the necessary changes if needed. After it rained continuously on Day 1, India might be tempted to include an extra fast bowler. These changes will be looked into by the management.
“The toss has not yet taken place but if there’s a decision to be taken, it will be taken,” Sridhar said after play was called off on Day 1 at a press conference.
