Former India and New Zealand cricketers disappointed as rain plays spoilsport on Day 4 of WTC final

Tags: ICC World Test Championship Final 2021, India vs New Zealand, Final at Southampton, Jun 18-22, 2021, India, New Zealand

Published on: Jun 21, 2021

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Former India and New Zealand cricketers have expressed their unhappiness over the way the ICC has conducted the World Test Championship (WTC) final at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. According to VVS Laxman and Shane Bond, a draw looks the highly likely result even with the Reserve Day available. After Day 1, Day 4 of the WTC final in Southampton on Monday was completely abandoned due to rain

Speaking on Star Sports, Laxman said ICC did not get the rules right as having joint winners doesn’t sound right. He was quoted as saying, “It’s very sad for the fans. I think ICC did not get the rules right. All said and done, you want a champion.”

“With so much time available, I’m sure they could have at least allowed 90 overs in 5 days to complete 450 overs. That’s something I would have expected from ICC. We were excited that there is a reserve day but I’m not sure whether the game can finish (even with the reserve day) if the rain continues,” he further added.

Day 1 of the WTC final was washed out due to rain while 64.4 overs were bowled on the second day. Day three saw India resuming their innings on 146 for 3 and getting bowled out for 217. New Zealand then responded with 101 for 2 in 49 overs. There has been no further play in the WTC final since. The forecast for Day 5 has predicted more rain and cloudy conditions.

Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond stated that a clear winner was needed in the WTC final. He explained, “Both teams wanna play to win. The other thing is that the pitch is offering so much to the bowlers that even if you have three-four days of play, we could find a result. If the weather delays go on for long, sometimes it means only one team can win if New Zealand bat well after the rain finishes, it puts them in the best position but I’m with VVS, however long it takes, I’d like to see 450 overs and one team come out on top.”

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson was batting on 12 while Ross Taylor was yet to score when stumps were called on Day 3.

--By A Cricket Correspondent

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