ICC World Test Championship Final Will Be At Southampton

The decision, taken by the apex ICC Board, follows discussions with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) where a range of options was considered to ensure the inaugural final could be staged safely with the potential impact of COVID-19 minimized for all involved.

ICC World Test Championship Final Is The Pinnacle Event In Test Calender

In selecting The Hampshire Bowl, the ICC drew on ECB’s experience of delivering a full summer of bio-safe international cricket in 2020. The venue provides world-class playing and training facilities, giving both teams the best possible environment in which to prepare. Whilst the on-site accommodation will significantly reduce the risk around COVID-19 transmission and better protect the health and safety of everyone involved in delivering the final.

The UK government’s phased easing of COVID-19 lockdown measures, if proceed as planned, it is anticipated that a limited number of fans will be allowed into the Hampshire Bowl to watch the final.

New Zealand was the first team to make the ICC World Test Championship final and they were joined by India following their series win over England which concluded on Saturday.

Geoff Allardice, ICC General Manager, Cricket said: “The ICC World Test Championship final is the pinnacle event in the Test calendar and is intended to be a week-long celebration of the oldest form of the game. A format that is rooted in tradition and features the best that the game has to offer. I would also like to congratulate both India and New Zealand for becoming part of history by reaching the first final. 

“We are confident that in selecting the Hampshire Bowl, we have given ourselves the best possible chance to successfully deliver the final whilst keeping everyone involved safe and healthy and giving fans the opportunity to watch the two best Test teams in the world go head-to-head for the right to call themselves the ICC World Test Champions.”  

England has played 6 Tests since 2011 at the Rose Bowl, Southampton, and won 2, lost 1, and drew 3. They defeated India twice in 2014 and 2018 and West Indies in 2020.  It is at Southampton that England’s Zak Crawley scored 267 against Pakistan in the year 2020.

ICC World Test Championship Final Will Be A Wonderful Occasion

New Zealand has a strong team in the likes of skipper Kane Williamson, Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Kyle Jamieson, Lockie Ferguson, Colin de Grandhomme, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, and BJ Watling (wk).

The ICC World Test Championship final being moved from Lord’s to the Ageas Bowl in Southampton could work to India’s advantage. The pitch in Hampshire tends to help the spinners more compared to the usually seamer-friendly conditions at Lord’s.

Tom Harrison, Chief Executive Officer, England and Wales Cricket Board said: “We are delighted that the ICC has chosen to host the inaugural World Test Championship Final at The Hampshire Bowl.”

“As the world’s first fully bio-secure cricket venue, it has shown itself capable of delivering international matches to the highest of standards, even against the backdrop of a global pandemic. I am sure the finale of the ICC World Test Championship will be a wonderful occasion.”

Rod Bransgrove, Hampshire Cricket Chairman, said:  “We will do everything in our power to ensure that this inaugural ICC World Test Championship Final is a secure, entertaining and successful event for everyone.’’

Ishant Sharma said since he plays Tests only, winning the inaugural World Test Championship is like winning World Cup. Another Test specialist nowadays vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane echoed Ishant Sharma’s emotions and said on the same lines that winning the WTC would be similar to winning the World Cup.

Sourav Ganguly, BCCI President had earlier confirmed that the inaugural World Test Championship final, which was originally scheduled at Lord’s, between India and New Zealand will be held in Southampton from June 18.