With the first day of the World Test Championship final at Southampton being washed out without even the toss taking place, Team India might consider making some changes to their playing XI that they announced late Thursday night. Read Here What Team India's Fielding Coach R Sridhar Said When rain didn't stop play 😉#TeamIndia members enjoyed a game of dart on the sidelines during the rain break in Southampton 🎯#WTC21 Final pic.twitter.com/nirjCfzjMM — BCCI (@BCCI) June 18, 2021 ☔ OPPO Shot of the Day 📸@OPPOIndia | #WTC21 | #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/NOJiUGVHxh — ICC (@ICC) June 18, 2021 The play on Day 2 of the first-ever World Test Championship final will start early at 2:00 pm IST. According to Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the WTC final, 98 overs will be bowled on Day 2 of the one-off Test between India and New Zealand. Day 1 has been called at the Hampshire Bowl. A brief period without rain after lunch but it's back now and the Match Officials have called things. 98 overs now scheduled for tomorrow with a 10-30am local start. #WTC21 pic.twitter.com/XRzie08aAP — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 18, 2021 Only way to play #WTC2021 right now🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/DhF5wLDGag — Siva Harsha || S/H 📽️🎥 (@SivaHarsha_1) June 18, 2021 Raining in Southampton. Why @ICC conducted Finals in England in this time?? Rain always washes out best matches :( Let's pray 🙇 #INDvNZ #WTC21 #WTCFinal #IndiaVsNewZealand #WTC2021 #WorldTestChampionship #ViratKohli #KaneWilliamson #WTCFinal2021 pic.twitter.com/pwUqPG3lwt — Abhinash Sabat (@im_abhinash) June 18, 2021 #WTCFinal2021 #WTC2021 ICC should consider this design for England cricket stadiums 😂 pic.twitter.com/v0t1csvSlI — Satyam Singh (@MyFreakyTweets) June 18, 2021 Live scenes from England#WTC2021 pic.twitter.com/IPawvxzP9a — Rishabh Srivastava (@AskRishabh) June 18, 2021 #WTC2021 Spectators waiting for match to start at Southampton be like: pic.twitter.com/W4kk7eYmWQ — MsParacetamol (@PreetiS_1530) June 18, 2021 Day one of #WTCFinal2021 called off but enjoying watching Shafali Varma in the #INDWvsENGW Test. Delight to watch the fearlessness. pic.twitter.com/cvg0agstUO — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 18, 2021 Day 1 of the WTC final has been officially called off by the ICC without a single ball being bowled. The inspection was supposed to be held at 7:30 pm IST but now the match officials have decided to abandon the play on Day 1 due to wet outfield. 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 Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has said Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri will know that the WTC final is without any doubt the ultimate Test match. Kohli and Shastri had earlier played down the importance of the WTC final, saying "it is not the only Test match they are slated to play in England and that a single game can never decide which is the best team in the world". Pathan has said that deep down both Kohli and Shastri will know that the WTC final is the ultimate Test match because it will crown the first-ever Test champion in 144 years of the longest format. According to experts who are in England, there has been no rain in Southampton for over half an hour now. However, the outfield at the Ageas Bowl Stadium has accumulated a lot of water, which still needs to be cleared up before the play could begin. The ICC has announced that the next round of inspection will take place at 7:30 pm IST and if it's raining at the time, the day of play will be called off. "What makes a Test cricketer in India very special is the ability to handle pressure." 👀 Find out how the India players are keeping their cool ahead of the #WTC21 Final 👇 pic.twitter.com/8iLfvGW3pA — ICC (@ICC) June 18, 2021 The umpires have been out to have a look at the ground here in Southampton. They are going to have another inspection at 3pm. Still pretty wet and rain is foreacast but it has been dry for a while so fingers crossed. #WTC21 — Rob Johnston (@RobJ_Cricket) June 18, 2021 UPDATE - It has stopped raining and there will be an inspection at 3 PM local and 7.30 PM IST. #WTC21 pic.twitter.com/VzzuXxGPrF — BCCI (@BCCI) June 18, 2021 Not tossed yet, no list exchanged.. Unless the playing conditions are specifically different in #WTC.. — WV Raman (@wvraman) June 18, 2021 Rakita Rakita Rakita hooo😂😂 https://t.co/dg3JpYXwSB — Mask up and take your vaccine🙏🙏🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) June 18, 2021 Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's wife Prithi Narayanan has shared an update regarding the weather in Southampton. According to Prithi, rain has stopped and fans at the stadium are "very happy". Prithi added that she can hear the dhol and loud singing at the Ageas Bowl. Rain has stopped. Fans are happy. I can hear the dol and happy singing. And @ashwinravi99 is going to do what he needs to do - have lunch. pic.twitter.com/7Ft0YnsPXL — Wear a mask. Take your vaccine. (@prithinarayanan) June 18, 2021 The wait continues 🌧️ #WTC21 Final pic.twitter.com/kNJofd2RfK — BCCI (@BCCI) June 18, 2021 It's still raining at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton as we await the start of play ⛈️#WTC21 Final | #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/CTSezyi4VZ — ICC (@ICC) June 18, 2021 Former India international Sanjay Manjrekar wants the Virat Kohli-led boys to lose the toss and bat first in the WTC final against New Zealand. Manjrekar believes that the flip of the coin will not play a major part in the game and even if Kohli loses the toss, Team India is poised to win. "I don't think toss is going to be crucial. If you win the toss and bat really well, that's a different matter. But if India loses, that will be ideal for them because they'd want to do the right thing and bat first. So I just hope for Virat Kohli's sake that they lose the toss. Of late, in Test cricket, losing tosses have won plenty of matches so it's not the deciding factor," Manjrekar said. "For us to sit here again, in another final of an ICC event, is very satisfying." Hear what the @BLACKCAPS have to say ahead of the exciting #WTC21 Final 👇 pic.twitter.com/v8XuuTzAmi — ICC (@ICC) June 18, 2021 Meanwhile, India Women have been bowled all-out for 231 on Day 3 of the one-off Test against England Women in Bristol. England Women have secured a lead of 165 runs and have enforced a follow-on on India Women. INNINGS BREAK: #TeamIndia all-out for 231 on Day 3 of the #ENGvIND Test! England secure a 165-run lead & enforce follow-on. Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/Em31vo4nWB pic.twitter.com/9g3cvKVlOO — BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) June 18, 2021 The weather might be gloomy but our fans are always in high spirits! 🤩 Hoping for some play today at Southampton! 🤞🏼#PlayBold #TeamIndia #WTC21 #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/nNKpFO25fi — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) June 18, 2021 The reserve day for the much-awaited ICC World Test Championship final might come into play as rain has started pouring back again in Southampton after providing a glimmer of hope a few minutes ago. The outfield at the Ageas Bowl has accumulated a lot of water, which will still need a clearing up after the shower stops, meaning the entire day of play might be called off by the umpires and match referee. It's absolutely hammering it down again in Southampton. My earlier optimism (from about 10 mins ago) has now vanished #WTCFinal — Chris Stocks (@StocksC_cricket) June 18, 2021 Rain has reportedly stopped pouring in Southampton and the game might start later in the afternoon if the weather remains dry. However, the outfield at the Ageas Bowl has accumulated a lot of water, which still needs to be cleared up in order to start the play. There's been a break in the weather in Southampton. If it stays dry we might get some play late afternoon if they can clear the lakes on outfield. If we were at Lord's it'd be cleared in about 90 mins #WTCFinal — Chris Stocks (@StocksC_cricket) June 18, 2021 Day 6 here we come. #WTC21 pic.twitter.com/r7155pN1Zk — simon hughes (@theanalyst) June 18, 2021 "I hate that question, but ..." The commentators predict the winner of the upcoming #WTC21 Final 🧙♂️ Who do you think will come out on top? pic.twitter.com/LR4ETVpmLz — ICC (@ICC) June 18, 2021 I see India have been saved by the weather …. 😜 #WorldTestChampionship — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 18, 2021 Former England skipper Nasser Hussain has said that the reserve day might come into play if it continues to rain in Southampton for another couple of hours. According to Hussain, rain is still pouring over at the Ageas Bowl Stadium and the Day of play might be called off by the umpires if it continues with the same intensity after lunch. Former India cricketer VVS Laxman has claimed that a lot of Indians will be supporting the Kiwis in the World Test Championship final because they are very likable characters. India's keeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has said it will be the biggest moment in his life if they win the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship final. Pant, while speaking to the ICC, said after the 2016 U-19 World Cup, the WTC final is the biggest stage he is representing India and that too early on in his career. He said it will be a big moment for him and the team if they win the final. To all those in India googling about weather, it's still windy and pouring in here. Rain Gods are not in mood to miss the first day!#WTCFinal pic.twitter.com/1c3befwAPT — DK (@DineshKarthik) June 18, 2021 "This is not just good cricket over the last seven, eight months, this is hard work and toil for the last four, five years." 🗣 Hear what @imVkohli and Kane Williamson have to say ahead of leading their teams out in the #WTC21 Final 🆚#INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/62F3PNsqcH — ICC (@ICC) June 18, 2021 India opener Rohit Sharma is the only cricketer in the world to make an appearance in the inaugural finals of two different ICC tournaments. Sharma was part of the first-ever ICC T20 World Cup-winning squad that was led by legendary skipper MS Dhoni. Warp-speed sogginess at the #WTCfinal pic.twitter.com/eMT0a9XfmF — Andrew Miller (@miller_cricket) June 18, 2021 Rain to start in Southampton means coffee and a chat watching the covers to start the day. #WTC21 pic.twitter.com/dLhbAd5C4l — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 18, 2021 BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has said the World Test Championship final is like a World Cup final and Team India winning it will be a "remarkable" moment for everyone. Former England skipper Nasser Hussain has placed the first-ever World Test Championship final at the top, saying 'both teams will be raring to win the one-off match'. Hussain, while talking about the importance of the WTC final, said India captain Virat Kohli had said he wants to make Test cricket the ultimate competition and when he speaks, the world listens. India opener Rohit Sharma has heaped praise on his Mumbai Indians teammate Trent Boult, saying "He is a quality bowler who will ask questions with his bowling". Sharma, while speaking about Boult ahead of the WTC final, said he and the Kiwi pacer repeatedly engaged in fun banter during IPL net sessions. Sharma added that Boult is a quality bowler and he will definitely trouble the batters in Southampton. Former England cricketer Nasser Hussain wants Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill to go big and set a good stage for others to come because in England the Duke's ball starts swinging from the word go unlike in Australia and India, where the ball starts swinging or spinning only after 10-20 overs are bowled. Former England cricketer Nasser Hussain has said the weather in Southampton looks like the rain will continue even after lunch. Hussain, while speaking to Star Sports, said the first session has been suspended by the ICC but it doesn't look like the rain is going to stop after lunch, adding "the reserve day might come into play". UPDATE: Disappointing but inevitable news coming in from Southampton 😔 The toss has been delayed and there will be no play before lunch.#WTC21 #WTCFinal #INDvNZ — Delhi Capitals (Stay Home. Wear Double Masks😷) (@DelhiCapitals) June 18, 2021 Not the start we wanted ☹️ 🤞🤞🤞🤞 https://t.co/JJs0LxTKqn — Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) June 18, 2021 Update: Unfortunately there will be no play in the first session on Day 1 of the ICC World Test Championship final. #WTC21 — BCCI (@BCCI) June 18, 2021 Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes India will push back against the Kiwis in the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship final. Chopra, while speaking on Star Sports, said New Zealand may have won more matches in ICC events against India, but expect the Virat Kohli-led boys to push back because they have been a brilliant Test team in the past couple of years, highlighting how a young side went on to win the historic Test series down under. Former India international Sunil Gavaskar has compared the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship final with the first-ever ODI World Cup in 1975. Gavaskar, while presenting in Star Sports, said both teams would be raring to win the first-ever WTC final because it will be etched in the history books for a long time. "We've been on a quest for excellence for a while now, and we will continue to be on that path regardless of this game" 💪 Hear what @imVkohli has to say as the start of the #WTC21 Final draws closer 🇮🇳#INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/XJs9WEWUqT — ICC (@ICC) June 18, 2021 Good morning from Southampton. We are just over an hour away from the scheduled start of play but It continues to drizzle here. The match officials are on the field now. ☔ #WTC21 pic.twitter.com/Kl77pJIJLo — BCCI (@BCCI) June 18, 2021 With the @ICC #WTCFinal about to begin - what an opportunity to take a step back as @BLACKCAPS cricket fans and appreciate the last decade of international cricket and where NZ has progressed too. We are truely seeing some of our best players of all time take this side to the top — Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) June 18, 2021 The weather update from Southampton is not what fans are expecting as rain is still continuing to pour over the Ageas Bowl stadium. According to reports, more covers are being spread on the ground to prevent the pitch from getting wet. The first day of the WTC final is now expected to start a bit later than what was announced earlier. Day 1 of the WTC final might even get affected by the rain if it continues to pour for another 3-4 hours. More covers going on... #WTCFinal2021 https://t.co/VCLYKTa5OV pic.twitter.com/jecuSXRe0t — simon hughes (@theanalyst) June 18, 2021 💪 Matchday. Motivation. Playlist. 🎶#WTC21 #WTCFinal #OrangeArmy #OrangeOrNothing pic.twitter.com/RAhi95M1Ma — SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) June 18, 2021 It’s MATCH DAY, 12th Man Army! 💪🏻 Sit back and get ready to witness some high octane Test cricket! 🔥 #PlayBold #TeamIndia #WTC21 #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/4vOArPHgqk — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) June 18, 2021 📸 - Class of #WTC21#TeamIndia #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 Pic Courtesy: @BCCI pic.twitter.com/mum8hz3vbr — Chennai Super Kings - Mask P😷du Whistle P🥳du! (@ChennaiIPL) June 18, 2021 T-Day 🥳 𝘞histles 𝘛o 𝘊heer for #TeamIndia 🇮🇳#WTC21 #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 📸 @ICC pic.twitter.com/unsDo4lsMT — Chennai Super Kings - Mask P😷du Whistle P🥳du! (@ChennaiIPL) June 18, 2021 ☀️☀️☀️☀️#WTCFinal #INDvNZ #WTCFinal2021 #SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/DAYtmyGP7b — Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) June 18, 2021 🗣️ INDIA - INDIAAAA!!! 🇮🇳#OneFamily #ICCWTCFinal #INDvNZ #IndiaIndiaaa @BCCI pic.twitter.com/ClCSIvkwI2 — Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) June 18, 2021 Just hours away from the #WTCFinal we all have been waiting for. Final Predictions? A) 🇮🇳 INDIA WIN B) 🇳🇿 KIWIS WIN C) 🌧️🌧️🥺 DRAWhttps://t.co/Ab2vf14ei7 #TeamIndia #WTC21 — KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) June 18, 2021 Matchday vibes 💙#WTC21 #WTCFinal #INDvNZ @RishabhPant17 @ajinkyarahane88 pic.twitter.com/uMZjLX3fRm — Delhi Capitals (Stay Home. Wear Double Masks😷) (@DelhiCapitals) June 18, 2021 Two years of tremendous hard work, dedication, steely determination and sacrifices have taken #TeamIndia to the final of the @ICC WTC. Wishing the team, the very best for the Ultimate Test! 🇮🇳 #WTC21 @BCCI — Jay Shah (@JayShah) June 18, 2021 Goodluck to #TeamIndia 🇮🇳 for the #WTCFinal. Bring the 🏆home. Best wishes 🙏🏻 @BCCI pic.twitter.com/1j2UyW7SOo — Kuldeep yadav (@imkuldeep18) June 18, 2021 Wishing #TeamIndia all the very best for the #WTCFinal. Hope to see history being created at Ageas Bowl! @BCCI pic.twitter.com/WjqzU6yS1x — Akshar Patel (@akshar2026) June 18, 2021 Team india is in full confidence, determination and enthusiasm. Wishing them to be world test champion @BCCI @ICC https://t.co/6Uxu3C4Gn8 — Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) June 18, 2021 Best wishes #TeamIndia 💙 @BCCI https://t.co/aXyLNaiUJ6 — Navdeep Saini (@navdeepsaini96) June 18, 2021 You’ve got the whole country singing for you 🇮🇳 Good luck for the big Test #TeamIndia 💪 @BCCI pic.twitter.com/IXF2dt6Mba — Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) June 18, 2021 The BCCI on Thursday announced the final XI from the 15-member WTC final squad it had unveiled earlier this week. The team management has decided to go with two spinners and three pacers in the form of Ravindra Jadeja, Ravi Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah. India's Playing XI: Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane (VC), Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah. 🚨 NEWS 🚨 Here's #TeamIndia's Playing XI for the #WTC21 Final 💪 👇 pic.twitter.com/DiOBAzf88h — BCCI (@BCCI) June 17, 2021 The United Kingdom meteorological department had warned of thunderstorms in Southampton ahead of the much-awaited WTC final. Currently, it is raining heavily in Southampton and the start of the WTC final on time is looking under the cloud. The BCCI on Friday shared an inspirational video of Team India head coach Ravi Shastri ahead of the much-anticipated WTC final. In the video, Shastri can be heard giving a pep talk to his boys in what appears to be the Gabba dressing room after the historic series win down under earlier this year. The Big Day is here! 👏 👏 Get behind #TeamIndia & show your support as they take on New Zealand in #WTC21 Final in a few hours from now! 💪 💪 pic.twitter.com/8k9B74DMPg — BCCI (@BCCI) June 18, 2021 This is the first time in 140 years of Test cricket that a world champion will be decided. The WTC final is expected to begin at 3:30 pm IST today, i.e. June 18. The inaugural #WTC21 Final is upon us! 🙌 Here's everything you need to know ahead of this historic match 👇#INDvNZhttps://t.co/PdlSbUcbu9 — ICC (@ICC) June 18, 2021
