WTC final: Play called off on first day due to rain in Southampton

The first day's play of the World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton has been called off due to rain. The rain had stopped around 5.15 pm IST, and the groundsmen were into action straightaway. After which, an inspection was scheduled for 7.30 pm IST, but just a few minutes before it, the heavens opened again and the call was taken to call off the first day. The match will start at 10.30 am local time (3 pm IST) on Saturday.

The rain in Southampton, while inviting frustration of thousands of fans across the world started on the eve of the big match and the drizzle continued on the day of the game. However, as the start time came closer, the rain kept getting heavier and the first session was called off, an hour before the scheduled start of the play.

After which, it was only the rain that had something to do on the field as the game couldn't even start. One can only hope for the game to start on Saturday as the prediction looks slightly better on Day 2 and Day 3 of the match.

The availability of the reserve day also comes as a huge relief as if the match does go into the fifth day, which would be the sixth day and there is a possibility of a result, it might just prove to be the game-changer.