Incessant rain caused the first day's play of the World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand in Ageas Bowl, Southampton, to be abandoned.
"Unfortunately there will be no play in the first session on Day 1 of the ICC World Test Championship final," the BCCI posted on Twitter.
The match was scheduled to start at 3pm (IST) but the weather ensured that the pitch at the Ageas Bowl was covered and the toss was delayed. Rain has been forecast in Southampton for most part of the inaugural title clash.
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The ICC has kept a reserve day to make up for time lost because of inclement weather. There will be half an hour extra play on each of the first four days, I weather permits.
Umpires Michael Gough and Richard Illingworth, after multiple inspections, called off the game at 7:30 pm IST (3 pm local time).
While there has been talk about Southampton being the preferred venue, it has been learnt that BCCI was taken into confidence by both the ICC and England and Wales Cricket Board before they finalised the venue which also has a five-star facility within the premises, helping create a tight bio-secure bubble.
In the last five years, England has hosted 32 men's Test matches and only as many as four have ended in draws which is an indication that even if rain plays spoilsport, the final will go the distance.
Interestingly, India had announced their playing XI yesterday, preferring tried and tested players.
On expected lines, the team picked two specialist spinners in Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, who are also more than handy with the bat.
The three pacers are Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, leaving no space for the impressive Mohammed Siraj. Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant will bat at number six.
It remains to be seen if India change their team combination tomorrow owing to the conditions.
India's playing XI:
Virat Kohli (C), Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (VC), Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, R. Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami.
