Day 1 of the ICC World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand has been called off due to rain.
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The ICC World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand started off on a damp note on Friday. The rain lashed down at Southampton on Day 1. There was no play in the first session due to rain. At the same time, there was optimism that the rest of the day could witness a reasonable amount of play, despite the weather forecast in Southampton confirming ninety percent chances of rain on the first day. The threat that Day 1 could be washed out entirely has been unfortunately proven true as confirmed by BCCI, with 98 overs scheduled for tomorrow.
The weather in Southampton is not looking too promising. There is rain forecast on all the days. It will be especially disappointing for the fans. Prior to the ICC World Test Championship final, Southampton was reeling under a heat wave for close to a fortnight. However, the dreaded English summer has bit back at a wrong time. The first practice session on Thursday was also impacted by rain.
According to the weather channel, rain is expected on all five days in Southampton. On Saturday, some play might be possible as there is a 50 percent likelihood of rain. However, on Sunday and Monday, the chances of rain are high with over 80 percent. Tuesday might prove to be another damp squib with 70 percent chances of rain.
Rain to start in Southampton means coffee and a chat watching the covers to start the day. #WTC21 pic.twitter.com/dLhbAd5C4l
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 18, 2021
The Accuweather website for Hampshire and Southampton has given out a yellow warning for thunderstorms on Saturday. Accuweather, though, has put the percentages slightly lower. On Saturday and Sunday, the chances of rainfall are in the range of 60 to 68 percent. On Monday, there is only a 40 percent chance of rain and it will be mostly cloudy. Thus, play could be possible on Monday. But, on Tuesday, the fifth and potential final day, the chances increase over 60 percent again.
If the match is washed out and it ends as a no-result, then the trophy will be shared. The trophy will be shared even if the match ends in a draw. There is a potential reserve day on June 23rd but that will only be activated if both teams agree and that a result is possible.
New Zealand have also announced their playing 11 with Colin de Grandhomme making the cut instead of Ajaz Patel. Thus, New Zealand are going in with five pacers. Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson, Trent Boult and Neil Wagner form the four-pronged pace attack of the New Zealand side. India announced their playing 11 yesterday, with both Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin included. Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah will be the Indian pace attack.
India: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah.
New Zealand: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling, Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult
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