'Batsman ko bhi timing nahi mili dhang ki, aur ICC ko bhi' – Virender Sehwag takes a dig at the ICC for choosing inapt venue for the WTC final

There was a lot of buzz around the final of the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship between India and New Zealand as the cricket fans were hoping to see a cracking affair. However, the fans have only met with disappointment as the WTC Final has been badly affected by the rainy weather at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. 

The match was scheduled to start on June 18 at the Hampshire Bowl but persistent drizzle ensured a complete washout. Though the Test match between the two cricket giants commenced on June 19, there were continuous disturbances in the game on day two and day three due to rain or bad light. 

The second day saw 64.4 overs being bowled while only 76.3 overs were possible on the third day on Sunday. This was followed by a complete washout on Day four. The continuous drizzle at Southampton invited a lot of criticism and flak for the International Cricket Council. 

ICC has been subjected to a lot of criticism on social media as many aren’t happy with their choice of venue for WTC selection. It is the monsoon season in the United Kingdom (UK) and thus many cricket fans argued that there was no point in hosting the final there. 

Virender Sehwag takes a jibe at Indian team

Former Indian opening batsman Virender Sehwag also took a dig at ICC as he took to his official Twitter handle to slam the cricketing body.  “Batsman ko bhi Timing nahi mili dhang ki, aur ICC ko bhi #WTCFinal,” ICC tweeted. 

Batsman ko bhi Timing nahi mili dhang ki, aur ICC ko bhi#WTCFinal

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 21, 2021

With his tweet, the veteran batsman also took a sly jibe at the Indian cricket team for their poor show with the bat in the first innings. India had a reasonable start to their campaign while batting first. Though the team lost its first three wickets at 88, skipper Virat Kohli and vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane looked in decent touch. 

At the stumps on Day 2, India were reeling at 146 for three. However, the first session of day three witnessed a horrific collapse of the Indian batting line-up. Kyle Jamieson ran through India’s batting order to pick as many as five wickets. The stunning show put up by Kiwi bowlers ensured that India were bowled out for a below-average score of 217.