Southampton to host WTC Final: ICC

The final of the inaugural World Test Championship between New Zealand and India will take place at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Southampton, the International Cricket Council confirmed on Wednesday. 

The final decision was taken following the meeting between ICC and England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). It is believed that a range of options was considered but what made the ICC assured was Southampton’s on-site accommodations. The on-site accommodation will considerably lessen the risk around COVID-19 transmission. The two fully-equipped practice grounds adjacent to the stadium offers both the teams the best possible setting to prepare for the much-awaited clash.

“In selecting the Hampshire Bowl, the ICC drew on ECB's experience of delivering a full summer of bio-safe international cricket in 2020," ICC stated in a media release.

If the UK government ease the phase-wise lockdown protocols as planned, it is expected that a limited number of spectators will be allowed to catch the action between the two best Test teams. The final will be played from June 18 to 22.

The ICC General Manager, Geoff Allardice, is confident that the Rose Bowl Stadium will deliver a safe and successful final clash.

“We are confident that in selecting the Hampshire Bowl, we have given ourselves the best possible chance to successfully deliver the final whilst keeping everyone involved safe and healthy and giving fans the opportunity to watch the two best Test teams in the world go head-to-head for the right to call themselves the ICC World Test Champions. “ - he said.

[ICC media input]