Southampton front runner to host WTC final between India and New Zealand

India and New Zealand will lock horns against each other in the much-anticipated final of the inaugural edition of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). Last month, New Zealand became the first team to qualify for the WTC finals after their fine run in the competition coincided with Australia’s decision to pull out of the South Africa tour.

India, on the other hand, booked their place in the final on Saturday (March 6) after beating England by an innings and 25 runs in the fourth and final Test to wrap up the series 3-1. Virat Kohli & Co. needed only 70 points from the available 120 points in the series to progress to the final but eventually collected 90 points.

India were in a spot of bother after losing the first Test in Chennai. Another loss in the remaining three games would have ended their WTC hopes but the Virat Kohli-led side bounced back in style to win the series. They thoroughly outplayed England in the remaining three Tests to get the work done. All eyes are now on the WTC final which is scheduled to take place this summer in England.

Venue for WTC final?

The WTC final is scheduled to take place from June 18 to 22 and while the iconic Lord’s was expected to host the contest, Southampton has emerged as a potential venue. After India booked their place in the final, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said the venue has not yet been finalised. But according to Cricbuzz, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), has checked the preparedness of Ageas Bowl in Southampton.

Southampton has become the front runner ahead of Lord’s along with Old Trafford in Manchester and Edgbaston in Birmingham because of the facilities at the ground. The venue has a five-star hotel attached to the stadium and has better facilities in times of lockdown and bio-secure protocols. Last year, when the pandemic was at its peak, Southampton had hosted England’s matches against West Indies and Pakistan.

“I can’t give much information apart from the fact that there has been discussion about it. I’m the chairman of Southampton and I can say we have been asked to stage it and also inquired if Southampton is available. I don’t know if anything has been finally decided as yet,” Southampton cricket boss Rod Bransgrove told the news website.