World Test Championship Final Likely To Be Shifted From Lord's To Southampton
India vs New Zealand
The final of the World Test Championship(WTC) between India and New Zealand is likely to be held in Southampton in place of the previously considered Lord's.
According to reports, the organizers are considering the Ageas Bowl to be the venue of the WTC Final due to the logistical and organizational convenience. The stadium is attached to a five-star hotel which helps the cause in the times of Bio-Bubble and lockdown.
"I can't give much information apart from the fact that there has been discussion about it," confirmed Southampton cricket boss Rod Bransgrove.
"I am the chairman of Southampton and I can say we have been asked to stage it and also inquired if Southampton is available. I don't know if anything has been finally decided as yet," he added.
Previously, the historical ground of Lord's was considered to be the destination of the WTC final. The other venues in contention were Manchester and Edgebaston.
However, the fact that Southampton hosted West Indies and Pakistan during the English summer in 2020 post lockdown gives it a massive edge over the other venues due to the facilities it provides.
The World Test Championship(WTC) final is scheduled to be held from June 18.
The ICC has said that there will be an official announcement soon regarding the final destination where the two teams - India and New Zealand, will finally face-off.