ICC WTC 2021: Day 01 Called Off Due To Persistent Rain

As was expected, the opening day of the inaugural ICC World Test Championship final [WTC] between India and New Zealand has been abandoned due to persistent rain in Southampton.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took to its official Twitter account to make the announcement.

“UPDATE – Unfortunately, play on Day 1 has been called off due to rains. 10.30 AM local time start tomorrow,” wrote the BCCI.

UPDATE – Unfortunately, play on Day 1 has been called off due to rains. 10.30 AM local time start tomorrow.#WTC21

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 18, 2021

 

The announcement brings to an end what was an extremely frustrating day for cricket fans around the world, especially in India and New Zealand.

The day started with persistent heavy rain lashing in full flow in Southampton, forcing the ICC to first delay the toss and then call off the entire first session of the WTC final

As we continued to wait, there arrived a glimmer of hope with the rain halting for close to 90 minutes.

But the amount of water that the outfield had taken, even if there was no more rain, it would have been a herculean task for the groundsmen to start the WTC final on the first day.

The officials had announced an inspection at 07:30 IST. But, it never happened as the rain arrived again at around 07:00 PM IST.

The WTC final has now been official called off for the day, and weather permitting, it will start at 10:30 AM local time (03:00 PM IST) tomorrow.

Also Read- ICC WTC Final: Wasim Jaffer Hits Back After Michael Vaughan Takes A Jibe At Indian Team