<div style="float: left;">
		<img align="" alt="India vs New Zealand WTC final" class="imgCont" height="464" src="https://bsmedia.business-standard.com/_media/bs/img/article/2021-06/18/full/1623993603-7671.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #DDD; margin-right: 10px; padding: 1px; float: left; z-index: 0;" title="India vs New Zealand WTC final" width="620">
		<div style="float: left; clear: both; font-style:italic; padding: 10px 10px 10px 0px;">
		Kane Williamson and Virat Kohli with ICC World Test Championship mace ahead of India vs New Zealand final at Southampton. Photo: @ICC</div></div>

In the last five years, England has hosted 32 men's Test matches and only as many as four have ended in draws which is an indication that even if rain plays spoilsport, the final will go the distance

India vs New Zealand WTC final

The eagerly-awaited opening day of the World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand was rained out at The Ageas Bowl on Friday, which is set to bring the reserve day into the equation.

	According to ICC playing conditions guidelines for the WTC final, if required the reserve sixth day can now come into effect with six hours of play lost on Day 1 itself. 
	 
	<a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/sports/india-vs-new-zealand-all-you-need-to-know-about-wtc-final-at-southampton-121052800619_1.html" target="_blank">IND vs NZ final prize money, WTC playing conditions, Follow-on rule</a> 
	 
	Why IND vs NZ WTC final DAY 1 was abandoned?

	There was forecast of rain and thundershowers and the heavens opened up last evening with relentless downpour continuing till afternoon.

	With puddles forming throughout the outfield, even the best drainage system couldn&#39;t have possibly forced some action on the opening day.

	Umpires Michael Gough and Richard Illingworth, after multiple inspections, called off the game at 7:30 pm IST (3 pm local time). 
	 
	 
	<a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/sports/ind-vs-nz-final-top-five-indian-bowlers-in-icc-world-test-championship-121061500530_1.html" target="_blank">IND vs NZ: Top Indian bowler in WTC</a> 
	 
	Why ICC picked England as a venue for WTC final?

	While there has been talk about Southampton being the preferred venue, it has been learnt that BCCI was taken into confidence by both the ICC and England and Wales Cricket Board before they finalised the venue which also has a five-star facility within the premises, helping create a tight bio-secure bubble.

	The English weather is known to be fickle and in any case, there was no guarantee that the match being played at any other venue would have not led to a wash-out on the first day.

	In the last five years, England has hosted 32 men&#39;s Test matches and only as many as four have ended in draws which is an indication that even if rain plays spoilsport, the final will go the distance.
&nbsp;<a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/sports/wtc-top-batsmen-india-vs-new-zealand-final-best-indian-batsmen-test-championship-stats-121061601060_1.html" target="_blank">Top batsmen in ICC WTC 2019-21</a> 
&nbsp; 
<a href="https://www.business-standard.com/topic/india-vs-new-zealand" target="_blank">Check IND vs NZ latest news updates here</a>

WTC final, India vs New Zealand: Day 1 abandoned due to wet outfield

Business Standard

WTC final, India vs New Zealand: Day 1 abandoned due to wet outfield | ICC World Test Championship News - Business Standard

IND vs NZ WTC final: Southampton weather live updates

There is light drizzle in the air at Southampton. We may some delay in toss is rain continues. Toss will take place at 2:30 pm IST. 
 
(Photo credit: screengrab from accuweather)

https://bsmedia.business-standard.com/_media/bs/img/live-blog/full/16240009347315.jpg

India vs New Zealand WTC final live updates

Hello and welcom to the live coverage of IND vs NZ WTC final at The Ageas Bowl, Southampton. 
<div style="float: left; max-width: 600px;">
	<img align="" alt="" class="imgCont" height="464" src="https://bsmedia.business-standard.com/_media/bs/img/article/2020-07/08/full/1594196458-8201.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #DDD; margin-right: 10px; padding: 1px; float: left; z-index: 0; width:100%" title="" width="620" />
	<div style="float: left; clear: both; font-style:italic; padding: 10px 10px 10px 0px; width:620px;">
		The Ageas Bowl in Southampton. Photo: @Englandcricket</div>
</div>