WTC Final: A washout on Day One

As per ICC playing conditions, the reserve sixth day can now come into effect

Southampton: The eagerly-awaited opening day of the World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand was rained out here on Friday, which is set to bring the reserve day into the equation.

As per 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.

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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’t have possibly forced some action on the opening day.

After multiple inspections, umpires Michael Gough and Richard Illingworth called off the game at 7:30 pm IST (3 pm local time). 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’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.

Playing XI was picked taking conditions out of equation: Sridhar

Southampton: India’s fielding coach R Sridhar ruled out the possibility of a change in the playing XI after the opening day of the World Test Championship final against New Zealand was washed out, insisting that the chosen players are capable of making conditions irrelevant.

The fickle English weather means that temperatures would go down and there would be overcast conditions and after a day of frustrating wait and no toss, a question was asked if India would still like to go in with three pacers and two specialist spinners.

“I was expecting this to be first question. The eleven that has been announced is eleven that takes conditions out of equation,” Sridhar told the media after the opening day wash-out.

“I think its the eleven which can play and perform on any given surface and any given weather conditions. This eleven that has been put on park. If need be, a decision will be taken.”

The first day’s play being abandoned means that if required, four hours of play will be possible on the sixth day which is reserved for a result. “It’s trial and refinement with experience that ICC has got in organising matches and they know what it is about. And we all know how the English weather is,” Srdhar said.

“I think they have been prudent and wise. As it is, if play starts on time, we are looking at four hours of play on the reserve day. That’s going to make it a complete match and that’s what the viewers and audience want, a complete game,” the former Hyderabad left-arm spinner said.

On the players’ front, Sridhar feels that Shubman Gill, irrespective of an underwhelming England series and below-par first phase of IPL, has looked in good nick. “Shubman Gill is a million dollar cricketer. He is batting brilliantly now. I am not in a position to give you technical details as that will be an answer better given by (batting coach) Vikram (Rathour),” he said.

“I have given him throwdowns and seen him bat. He is looking in good nick and looking in excellent mindset. He is clear about his role and gameplan. He is an exciting prospect for India in long term and I just can’t wait to watch him play,” the fielding coach added.

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