World test championship final between New zealand in Southampton, confirms ICC

World test championship final between New zealand in Southampton, confirms ICC

World test championship final between New zealand in Southampton, confirms ICC

International cricket association has moved the final of the world test championship to the Hampshire bowl in the southampton. Earlier, it was planned to be held at the lord’s in london. Keeping the safety and security in mind, a decision has been taken to move it to the Southampton. 

Final will be played between India and New Zealand who are the table toppers in June. India came on the top of the table to be eligible to play the final after it won 3-1 test series against England. 

“The final of the world test championship between India and New zealand will be staged in the bio-bubble of Southampton stadium.  All the arrangements for the same have been made,” ICC said in a statement. 

This decision by the ICC follows the consultation with the Cricket board of England and Wales. This decision to shift the venue was taken after various options have been looked into. So that impact of the coronavirus can be minimized to much extent and there is less danger contracting the virus for players, said ICC.

Majority of matches in 2020 were played in this stadium. It is the most secure stadium in the UK. This is the reason, ICC considered it key to host the ICC world test final. One of the best advantages of this venue is that it has a stadium attached to it which provides the players with less mobility. 

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 ICC said.

Limited number of fans will be allowed in the stadium if the situation of Covid improves and everything goes as planned. 

New zealand emerged first team to qualify for the world test championship and they were followed by the India winning test series by 3-1.