'It’s hammering it down' - Kevin Pietersen shares weather update from Southampton ahead of WTC Final

There is much hype around the final of the World Test Championship that is scheduled to be played between India and New Zealand at Southampton from June 18 to June 22. What makes the final more special is that probably the two best Test teams of the modern era will be fighting to lift the coveted trophy. 

However, the rain has destroyed the build-up to the first day of play at the Rose Bowl. It is raining cats and dogs all over the United Kingdom (UK) and the chances of rain washing out the first day of play are extremely high. Adding to the misery, the weather forecast predicts rainfall in Southampton during all five days of the Test. 

Former England skipper Kevin Pietersen also gave an update on his official Twitter handle regarding what awaits Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson at the Rose Bowl in terms of weather conditions. “World Test Championship to start in the UK today & it’s hammering it down!,” Pietersen wrote on Twitter along with several emojis of cloud and rain.

Even if the rain stops and the match starts on time, the overcast conditions aren’t ideal for the Indian team. New Zealand players are habitual of playing in such conditions back home and that can provide them with an edge over the Indian side. The pace trio including the likes of Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and Kyle Jamieson is likely to benefit a lot from the pitch if the overcast conditions persist. 

India names playing XI for WTC final

While the Blackcaps are yet to reveal their team combination for the showpiece event, India took the cricket fans by surprise as they announced their playing XI on Thursday, June 17. There are no surprises in the team combination as India decided to go with three pacers and two spinners.

The top six features the likes of  Rohit Sharma and Shubaman Gill opening the innings for the Indian side. At number three walks Cheteshwar Pujara followed by skipper Virat Kohli and vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane. Pant is the keeper of the squad while Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja will essay the role of spin all-rounders. The decorated pace attack features Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah.