World Test Championship final to be held in Southampton, confirms ICC

The final of the World Test Championship (WTC) will be played at the Aegis Bowl – or Hampshire Bowl in Southampton, not at the Lords as originally planned, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed on Wednesday. The finals played between table-toppers India and New Zealand have been shifted due to the Coronovirus Safety Protocol. “The final of the ICC World Test Championship between India and New Zealand will be staged in a bio-safe bubble at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton,” the ICC said in a statement.

The decision was taken by the ICC Board, following discussions with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), where a number of options were considered to ensure that the inaugural final was held for everyone with the potential impact of COVID-19 Can be staged safely. , “Read the statement further.

Southampton hosted most of England’s games in 2020, and the ICC said it played a part in the venue being selected for the WTC Finals. The fact that a hotel is attached to the stadium was also an important factor.

“In the selection of the Hampshire Bowl, the ICC drew attention to the ECB’s experience of delivering the full summer of bio-safe international cricket in 2020. The venue offers world-class sports and training facilities, giving both teams the best possible environment.” In which preparations can be made. The ICC said, on-site housing will significantly reduce the risk around COVID-19 transmission and provide better protection of health and safety to all.

Promoted

The ICC said that if the UK government’s COVID-19 lockdown measures were relaxed, a limited number of fans would be allowed to make the WTC finals.

New Zealand became the first team to qualify for the final of the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship, and joined India after a 3–1 home win against England.