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

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

7:21 PM

IND vs NZ WTC final live updates: Day 1 called off

7:14 PM

IND vs NZ WTC final

Top New Zealand players to watch out:

Kane Williamson: The 30-yr-old is not only the team's batting spine but also an incredibly smart strategist. His form durin WTC cycle (Average: 58) has been remarkable. Williamson has won 3 of his last 5 tosses.

Tom Latham: Steadfast memver of the Kiwi unit who consistently thwarts the oppostion from making early inroads.

6:46 PM

India vs New Zealand head to head in Tests

IND vs NZ head to head in Tests

• Overall matches: 56
• India won: 21
• New Zealand won: 12
• Drawn: 26

6:34 PM

IND vs NZ WTC final live updates: Umpire inspection

6:30 PM

NEWS ALERT: Rohit's plan to tackle Kiwi attack in WTC final

India batsman Rohit Sharma has said that his plan is to be simple and realistic in order to achieve success against New Zealand in the finals of the World Test Championship (WTC).

 

India is locking horns against New Zealand in the finals. The first session on Day One was washed out due to rain and it is likely that there could be no play as weather forecasts suggests more rain at the Ageas Bowl.

 

"Yeah, it is pretty simple, you are challenged for five days which does not happen anywhere. You are challenged every day and every day brings a different challenge. It is a longer game and you need to have patience and of course, you play in different conditions, so it is not the easiest when you play in different conditions. I think for five days, you have to be at your best and physically, you need to be fit to accept those challenges and overcome those challenges," Rohit told host broadcaster Star Sports.

 

"Just to be on the top of my game, thinking about how I can play those guys and how I can be successful against those guys. I have played them before so I know their strengths and weaknesses. It will all come down to the conditions and the situation the team is in, all that will count, it is important not to overthink that much. When you are playing against top sides, it is important to keep things simple and realistic," he added.

 

The first session of the World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand was washed out due to continuous drizzle at the Ageas Bowl on Friday.

Rohit Sharma. Photo: Sportzpics for BCCI

6:08 PM

IND vs NZ WTC final live updates

There is no rainfall since half an hour at Southampton and super-sopper is trying to dry out the outfield. Though, it is still overcast and gloomy. 

6:05 PM

IND vs NZ WTC final live updates: Southampton weather

The groundsmen are working hard to remove the waters from the covers. For a brief moment, there was a bit of sunshine but it is again looking gloomy, says Ian Bishop on air. The Indian and New Zealand players having a stroll along the boundary line. Stay tuned we might get some game today.

5:55 PM

IND vs NZ WTC final: Southampton weather live updates

According to latest media reports, the rain has stopped at Southampton and covers are coming off.

5:43 PM

IND vs NZ WTC final live updates: Latest Southampton weather forecast

The forecast for the remaining day has deteriorated at Southampton. According to UK met office, the chances of rainfall have increased to over 80 per cent from 20 per cent in the afternoon. We are heading for a Day 1 wash out if forecasts has to be believed.

(Photocredit: UK met office)
 

 

5:31 PM

IND vs NZ WTC final: Southampton weather live updates

The live images from broadcasters does not look encouraging at all as it is pouring down and even defying the visibility. We are heading for a DAY wash out at Southampton.