Xtra Time Web Desk: In a huge disappointment for the cricket fans all around the world the first day’s play of the much awaited ICC World Test Championship final has been abandoned due to heavy rains and wet outfield at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on Friday.
The umpires after having an inspection at 7:30 PM IST decided to abandon the day’s play. The International Cricket Council (ICC) on it’s official twitter handle updated the development.
Both the teams were unperturbed with the washout. India fielding coach R Sridhar does not expect any changes to the XI named for the game in Southampton. While New Zealand’s final XI will not be confirmed until the toss, India has already decided on the team that will take on the Black Caps.
And even if rain could change the tactics, Sridhar is confident that the selection can perform in any conditions.
He said: “I think the XI which has been announced is an XI that takes the pitch and conditions out of the equation.
He added, “I think it is an XI which can play and perform on any given surface, in any given weather conditions. Having said that, the toss is not yet over, so if it needs to be taken, a decision will be taken at the time of the toss.”
While a heavy day of rain put paid to the chances of any cricket on Friday, the possibility of a five-day Test remains thanks to the reserve day on Wednesday.
The ICC has confirmed the ICC World Test Championship Final reserve day could be utilised should the match not reach a result by the close of day five. The decision will be taken by the Match Officials on day five.
The Black Caps are yet to name a final XI for the match, with that expected to be decided by coach Gary Stead and captain Kane Williamson on Saturday.
BlackCaps vice-captain Tom Latham admitted that it did not come as a huge surprise and praised the provision of a potential sixth day.
He said, “It’s disappointing – the rain today, it was forecast unfortunately, but it’s one of those things that as cricketers you need to adapt. It’s something we can’t control, it’s just about waiting and when we get the opportunity to come on, making sure we’re ready.
“The beauty of it is there is day six as well, so there is a little extra time that we can use then. We’ll wait and see and have a look tomorrow,” said Latham.