Agencies
The inaugural final of the ICC World Test Championship, set to be played between India and New Zealand from June 18, will take place at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton, the International Cricket Council announced on Wednesday (March 10).
The decision was taken following discussion between the ICC and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB,) where a range of options were considered to ensure that the Test can be staged safely with the potential impact of COVID-19 minimised for all involved. Southampton became a front runner given its on-site accommodation facilities. The Hampshire Bowl and Old Trafford played hosts to all the international matches in England last year.
Tom Harrison, the ECB CEO, said "As the world's first fully bio-secure cricket venue, it has shown itself capable of delivering international matches to the highest of standards, even against the backdrop of a global pandemic. I am sure the finale of the ICC World Test Championship will be a wonderful occasion."
The ICC also added that, should the UK government's phased easing of COVID-19 lockdown measures proceed as planned, it is anticipated that a limited number of fans will be allowed in the stadium to watch the final.
Geoff Aldrice, ICC's General Manager, Cricket, said, "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.
"I would like to thank the ECB for their guidance and advice to enable us to make this decision, which gives us the best possible opportunity to deliver a safe and successful World Test Championship Final."