The grand finale of the inaugural edition of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) between India and New Zealand was scheduled to kickstart today at The Ageas Bowl in Southampton. However, the rain gods have played the spoilsport on the opening day of the much-awaited game and as a result, the play has been officially called off on Day 1 in Southampton.

The Indian cricket team has already announced its playing 11 while New Zealand’s line-up will be revealed after the toss. On the even of the game, the Indian skipper, Virat Kohli downplayed the importance of the WTC final and said the team was taking the WTC final as one of the six Tests India is scheduled to play in the coming months. 

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The Southampton weather has played spoilsport on Day 1 of the WTC final as the morning session has been washed out due to rain. It has been raining in Southampton since Thursday and there is a forecast of rainfall during the course of the day as well. The rain had stopped for a small interval of time but it is gained momentum again. There is too much water on the field of play and on the covers. 

UPDATE – Unfortunately, play on Day 1 has been called off due to rains. 10.30 AM local time start tomorrow.#WTC21

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 18, 2021

India went for tried and tested players, preferring experienced Ishant Sharma over Mohammed Siraj in the playing XI for the WTC final against New Zealand. On expected lines, the team picked two specialist spinners in Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin, who are also more than handy with the bat.

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India’s playing XI for WTC final: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (Captain), Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), R. Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, and Mohammed Shami