WTC Final Weather Forecast: Southampton weather on Day 4

Test cricket has been at its best in the high-octane ICC World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand. Kiwi captain Kane Williamson won the toss and didn’t have any hesitation in opting to bowl first at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. The green track was offering assistance to the pacers, and the Kiwi bowlers exploited the conditions brilliantly. However, the Indian batsmen embraced the challenge and brilliantly tackled the dukes ball.

Openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill added 62 for the first wicket, and Team India was firmly placed in the driver’s seat. Momentum swung of New Zealand’s favour as both openers and Cheteshwar Pujara were dismissed in quick succession. However, skipper Virat Kohli joined forces with Ajinkya Rahane, and the duo made sure India doesn’t lose any more wicket at the end of day’s play.

Subsequently, the batting side was 146/3 at the stumps on Day 2, with two well-set batters at the crease. India were expected to pile up a massive total considering the start they got. Contrary to the expectations, wickets fell in the first session with New Zealand bowlers breathing fire with the red cherry. Kohli and Rahane got dismissed in the 40s while dashing wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant made just four.

Kyle Jamieson was the wrecker-in-chief for New Zealand as he ran through India’s batting order with his spectacular spell. The tall and lanky pacer exploited bounce from the surface and also troubled the Indian batsmen with his swinging deliveries. Neil Wagner, Trent Boult and Tim Southee also played their part brilliantly. However, this contest is far from the conclusion, and hence, both sides must buckle up.

Meanwhile, here’s a look at how the weather will behave on WTC Final Day 4 (June 21)

The weather has been frustrating, to say the least, in the WTC final. Persistent rain didn’t even allow the toss to take place on Day 1, and the significant part of the second day also got washed out. The non-cricket friendly climate also delayed the start on Day 3. Hence, cricket fans worldwide are praying for better weather in the remaining contest.

Unfortunately, that might not be the case as dark clouds are looming over the fourth day as well. As per accuweather.com, Southampton will experience rain during the fourth day’s morning session, and another delay looks certain. The weather won’t get any better with time, with dark clouds dominating the sky the entire day.

These updates are indeed disappointing, and it would be interesting to see how many overs of play take place on Day 4. Not to forget, the International Cricket Council (ICC) have also arranged a reserve day to make up for the lost time. With rain washing away a significant part of the game, the extra day will definitely come into the equation.