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.

5:29 PM

WTC final: Rain plays spoilsport, Vaughan says weather is saving India

As rain continues to play spoilsport on Day One of the World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand at the Ageas Bowl, former England captain Michael Vaughan on Friday said the Virat Kohli-led side is being saved by the weather.

 

"I see India have been saved by the weather," tweeted Vaughan.

 

Earlier, Vaughan had predicted that New Zealand would register a win against India in the finals of the WTC.

 

India skipper Virat Kohli has said the World Test Championship (WTC) final has a bit more value added to it, but for his side, every Test matters and they play to win.

 

"We are so delighted that we are in the final, we feel we have earned our place and belong where we are. We are happy some spectators are going to watch, which is justice for something of this magnitude, because a big final without spectators would have been anticlimactic. It's not the final frontier, it's just another feather to add to our hat that we have created as a Test team. It's a culmination of the toil over the last 4-5 years. We have identified these players, and condensed it down, and for me as a captain and for us as a team, it's not just good cricket over 6 months, but over the last 5 years," Kohli told host broadcaster Star Sports.

 

"This is just a game that has a bit more value added to it, but every Test has had the same value over the last few years which is why we're ranked highly. Test cricket tests your grit and your resolve. You have to wake up and have belief and determination to turn up and turn things around every day of the Test, how to come back from a tough situation and hang in there. It's a metaphor for life," 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.

 

"Update: Unfortunately there will be no play in the first session on Day 1 of the ICC World Test Championship final. #WTC21," BCCI tweeted.
 

5:24 PM

IND vs NZ WTC final: Southampton weather live updates

The rain has stopped for a brief time at Southampton but is again pouring heavily. This does not look good.

4:28 PM

IND vs NZ WTC final: Latest Southampton weather forecast

According to UK met office, the weather is likely to improve in Southampton in the afternoon. Let's see English weather does a U-turn in  next few hours or not.

(Photocredit: UK met office)

4:22 PM

IND vs NZ WTC final: Southampton weather live updates

4:06 PM

IND vs NZ WTC final live updates: Southampton weather

There is no respite from rain in Southampton. Nasser Hussain informs on Star Sports Network that the situation is not improving since morning and it is continues pour. The super-soppers plying on the field since morning are residing by the boundary line as it can be seen puddles of water all-over the ground. The drainage system is good in Southampton but for that rain MUST stop. Stay tuned for live weather reports from Southampton.