The much-anticipated ICC World Test Championship Final 2021 is all set to kick-start between India and New Zealand at Southampton from June 18. The WTC final marks the culmination of the two-year-long journey that aims to find the champion for ‘The Ultimate Test.' Hosted for the first time in the history of Test cricket, the 2021 WTC final is a historic occasion in the red-ball game. However, there are talks surrounding the unpredictability of weather gods as the rain threat looms over the contest in Southampton.
Contents
Why is the Southampton weather forecast making the headlines?
The English weather is nearly impossible to predict. On days, weather in the UK can range from the day starting with bright sunshine to the night being frost and cold. While the cricket fans have awaited the WTC final for a long time, a looming rain threat over a majority of the Test match is definitely not the greatest news. The Test match which is set to begin on June 18 i.e Friday, is forecasted to receive spells of rain on each of the next five days.
However, there is a hope that despite the weather playing its part, not a majority of play will be lost due to rain. Also, the Southampton weather forecast for the latter half of the WTC final is expected to be affected minimally due to rain.
Here's a detailed look at the weather forecast on each day of the IND vs NZ WTC final:
Weather Forecast for IND vs NZ WTC Final 2021
Day 1 Weather – June 18 (Heavy Rain and Moderate breeze)
According to the BBC weather, the Southampton weather forecast is quite poor for the opening day of the WTC Final. In fact, the weather forecast is the poorest of all days on Day 1. It will remain cloudy and heavy spells of rain expected throughout the day. There are 70% chances of rain with the temperature expected to hover around 17 degrees for a major part of the day. It will surely be shortened day's play on June 18 of the IND v NZ WTC final 2021.
Day 2 Weather – June 19 (Sunny intervals and light breeze)
The weather on Day 2 could offer the best conditions for play to continue for the entire duration. It could be a sunny day with temperatures remaining around 20° with minimal chances of rain. It could possibly be the best day for batters to scale a mountain of runs. The Day 2 of the WTC final could prove decisive in dictating the result of the Test match.
ALSO READ IND vs NZ WTC Final Dream11 Prediction
Day 3 Weather – June 20 (Light Rain and moderate breeze)
The third day of the Test match will again bring rain along with it. The Southampton weather forecast predicts rain on day 3 of the WTC Final. There are around 50% chances of precipitation on June 20. However, post 4 PM, the weather will be clear and it could end with bright sunshine up till the close of play.
Day 4 Weather – June 21 (Light Rain showers)
Again, light showers are expected to halt the play on day 4 of the IND vs NZ WTC final at The Ages Bowl. However, it won't be too alarming to cause a delay for a long time. The temperature is expected to be around 18 degrees with 15-20% chances of rain.
Day 5- June 22 (Sunny intervals and moderate breeze)
The Southampton weather forecast for Day 5 of the WTC final is perfect as per the BBC weather report. There are few showers before the start of play at 11 AM. However, it will be a bright sunny day with a full cricket action possible on the last day. A constant breeze will be a feature in this Test match on all five days.
What's next – Reserve Day on June 23?
As per the ICC playing conditions, the WTC Final 2021 can even go into the reserve day. The action shits to Day 6 only if a lot of overs are lost due to weather or bad light on the first five days. The weather will be partly sunny on a reserved day and it will be a cricket-friendly atmosphere at Southampton. If the game is extended till the reserve day, there will be great cricketing action between the two top-class teams.
What to Expect from the WTC final 2021?
It will be a flourishing match between the top two teams in the ICC World Test Championship Points Table 2021. Both the teams of some high-quality players in their playing XI. If the rain gods can stay away, it will be nothing short of a spectacle for the course of five days of the Test match. With two quality bowling attacks, the challenge for the batters will be immense. Most likely, the team that manages to bat better in the trying circumstances, will have an edge in an attempt to claim the ICC Test Championship mace.
