WTC Final Venue Records: All you need to know about The Rose Bowl, Southampton

Southampton will turn into a battleground on 18th June 2021, as India and New Zealand will give it their everything to emerge as the champions in the inaugural World Test Championship final. The last time New Zealand lost a Test match was in January 2020 against Australia. Since that loss against the kangaroos, Kane Williamson and his men have emerged triumphant in their next 6 Test matches, and have won each of them in convincing fashion.

India will enter the summit clash high on confidence too, as they gave a drubbing to England at home earlier this year. In the 4 match Test series between India and England, Virat Kohli and his men thrashed Joe Root and his men by a margin of 3-1 at home.

Before the Test series against England at home, India scripted history in the land of the kangaroos and beat Australia 2-1 in their own backyard. Both India and New Zealand will enter the World Test Championship (WTC) final with just one goal in mind. And that is, to emerge as the winner. And surely, millions of eyeballs will turn towards Southampton to witness this historic clash.

About the Ground

The Ageas Bowl in Southampton can seat a total of 25000 people. The ground has hosted 6 Test matches till now. The first Test match at this venue was held on 16th June 2011, between England and Sri Lanka. The match ended in a draw.

Also, the World Test Championship final will be the first time that a Test match will be played at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton without England taking part in it.

Highest team total at Southampton

England holds the record for scoring the highest team total at this venue. In the year 2020, the England cricket team piled up a mammoth total of 583/8 in the first innings against Pakistan, with Zak Crawley scoring 267. The match ended in a draw.

Lowest total at Southampton

The lowest total on this ground was recorded by the Indian side in the year 2014 against England. The MS Dhoni-led side was bowled out for a total of just 178 in the second innings and went down to England by a margin of 266 runs.

Highest individual score at Southampton

Zak Crawley holds the record for scoring the highest individual score on this ground. The right-hander smashed 267 against Pakistan in August 2020. Crawley’s innings was embellished with 34 fours and a six and his stay in the middle lasted for 393 deliveries.

Best bowling figures at Southampton

The record for the best bowling figures at Southampton is currently held by West Indian cricketer Jason Holder. In July 2020, the right arm pacer scalped 6 wickets, giving away 42 runs against England. Holder’s excellent spell allowed the West Indian side to beat England with 4 wickets to spare.

India’s record at Southampton

The Indian side does not have fond memories while playing at Southampton. The Virat Kohli-led outfit has played 2 matches at the Rose Bowl in Southampton and has lost both the matches.

New Zealand record at Southampton

The New Zealand side is yet to play a Test match at Southampton.