General view of the big screen as it displays a messaged that play has been abandoned for the day
©Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley
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India vs New Zealand, Final, ICC World Test Championship Final: Rain washes out Day 1
First day's play in the World Test Championship Final between India and New Zealand was called off due to rain at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on Friday.
Long before the day's play started, the toss was delayed because of heavy overnight rain and wet outfield. The start was delayed and then shortly thereafter play was called off for the first session.
There was some hope of play resuming post lunch when rain stopped for a while. But heavy puddles on the outfield made it impossible to restart play because the groundstaff was hard at work to dry up the ground. Supper sopper was pressed into service the ground staff tried very hard to dry up the ground but to no avail.
Just when it seemed like play would resume after lunch, umpires called off play when more rain hit the stadium. There was meant to be another inspection at 3 pm UK time, but that was not to be.
So the first day of the World Test Championship final was called off without any play. The sixth day, also the reserve day of the tournament has now been officially added to the equation now.
Play will now resume on Saturday at 10.30 am UK time.
Match Summary
India
New Zealand
Day 1 - Stumps
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