WTC Final, India vs New Zealand: The ICC has allocated a Reserve Day to make up for any lost time during the regular days of the Final, scheduled to be played from 18 to 22 June, with 23 June set aside as the Reserve Day.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The BCCI tweeted that no play will be possible in the 1st session on Friday
• WTC final has a reserve day (June 23) set aside to make up for any lost time
• Both teams will be declared joint-winners in case of a draw or tie

The opening session of the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand has been washed out due to persistent rain and a soggy outfield at the Hampshire Bowl on Friday.

It started raining in Southampton on Thursday afternoon and Friday’s coin toss could not take place because of the drizzle which ensured the square remained undercover. The one-off match marks the culmination of a two-year cycle of the inaugural WTC, launched in 2019 to create a pinnacle event for test cricket.

While the weather was excellent will Wednesday, things started going bleak and gloomy from Thursday and the prediction for Friday is rain, rain and more rain. The weather forecast looks gloomy but fans are hoping that England’s fickle weather comes into play and the clouds disappear miraculously.

What is a reserve day?

The Reserve Day has been scheduled to ensure five full days of play, and it will only be used if lost playing time cannot be recovered through the normal provisions for each day. There will be no additional day’s play if a positive result is not achieved after five full days of play and the match will be declared a draw in such a scenario.

“In the event of time being lost during the match, the ICC match referee will regularly update the teams and media about the way in which the reserve day may be used. The final decision on whether the reserve day needs to be used will be announced at the scheduled start of the last hour on the fifth day,” an ICC statement said.

Given the inclement weather forecast in Southampton, the match is almost certain to progress to Day 6. Both India and New Zealand will be adjudged joint winners of the WTC if their final clash in Southampton ends in a draw or tie