Xtra Time Web Desk: Play on Day 4 of the ICC World Test Championship Final between India and New Zealand has been called off due to heavy showers in Southampton. The on field umpires after an inspection at 3PM UK time (7:30 PM IST) decided no play was possible.
It was predicted that there will be persistent showers throughout the day. Just like Day 1, not a single ball was bowled at the Ageas Bowl. With two days lost due to rain, chances of a result looks highly improbable despite a reserve day.
Virat Kohli and his boys scored 217 all out in their first innings. New Zealand in reply has scored 101/2 at stumps on Day 3. Captain Kane Williamson is batting on 12 along with Ross Taylor.
With no play taking place at the Hampshire Bowl, the match will now extend into the designated reserve day on Wednesday, if required, after rain also disrupted day one.
The forecast for the fifth and potential sixth days of the Test is significantly better and an announcement will be made on the reserve day on Tuesday.
When play does restart, Williamson and Ross Taylor will be the men at the crease with the Black Caps 116 runs behind India after 49 overs of their first innings.
Virat Kohli’s side lost seven wickets on the third day of the inaugural WTC showpiece, with the India captain the first man to fall to an inspired bowling performance from Kyle Jamieson.
The 26-year-old took a brilliant five for 31 for his fifth five-wicket haul in just eight Tests, with the dangerous Rishabh Pant also losing his wicket to the right-arm fast-medium bowler.