India vs New Zealand, WTC Final: Day 1 called off after rain play spoilsport

India vs New Zealand, WTC Final: Rain plays spoilsport, check Southampton weather report for Friday (Twitter/BCCI)

India vs New Zealand, WTC Final, Southampton weather update: Rain played spoilsport even before the first delivery of the World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand in Southampton could be bowled. The day began with the opening session of Day 1 being suspended owing to incessant rain.

However, BCCI in its latest tweet confirmed that the play on Day 1 has been called off due to poor weather. 

UPDATE - Unfortunately, play on Day 1 has been called off due to rains. 10.30 AM local time start tomorrow.#WTC21 — BCCI (@BCCI) June 18, 2021

In it's previouw tweet, BCCI had confirmed that the rain had stopped in Southampton and the officials will inspect the playing conditions at 07:30 pm IST.

The match was scheduled to begin at 3pm (IST) but the weather ensured that the pitch at the Ageas Bowl was covered and the toss was delayed.

Meanwhile, ICC has kept a reserve day to make up for time lost because of inclement weather.

Weather report for the day: 

It started raining on Thursday evening and the scene on the following day, which is also the match day, doesn't look promising. As per latest weather update, it is being predicted that rain will hamper most part of the game on Day 1.  

Meanwhile, the weather forecast for Day 2, 3 and 4 also look similar. 

The ICC has stated that if the contest ends in a tie, the title will be jointly shared by both the sides.