Hyderabad: Final of the inaugural World Test Championship between India and New Zealand will be played at Southampton's Ageas Bowl Stadium from June 18-22, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly confirmed on Monday. Due to the Covid-19 situation in London, the final had to be shifted. A five-star facility inside the Southampton stadium will make it easier for both the ICC and the England and Wales Cricket Board to create a bio-bubble for the two teams.
"Yes, the final will be held at Ageas Bowl," Ganguly replied to a query from media.
India qualified for the marquee clash after beating England 3-1 in a just-concluded Test series.
The BCCI president, who has been on a medical break after undergoing bypass surgery, is expected to travel to the UK to watch the final match.
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Southampton, with its slowish track, puts India on an even keel with New Zealand as spinners will come into the game at the venue.
"I will go for the World Test Championship and hopefully we can get past New Zealand in the final. New Zealand will be there before us and they will play a couple of Test matches (against England)," Ganguly told media.
He lavished praise on the team for its stupendous performance in both the away series against Australia and home games against England.
Massive achievement?
"Oh yes, especially after what players have gone through to be in those bubbles and play cricket day in and day out. It was remarkable. Right from IPL till now. What they have achieved is fantastic," he told the channel.
"I think we must congratulate Ajinkya Rahane, first in Australia and Virat Kohli in England, the head coach, support staff, everybody. (Rahul) Dravid does a lot of work behind the scenes with these boys. To see that day in Brisbane was outstanding," he said.