Rose Bowl to host World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand

Hampshire venue has been selected due its onsite hotel after consideration over potential impact of Covid-19 on fixture

India captain Virat Kohli will lead his side into battle against New Zealand in the World Test Championship final at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. AP

The ICC have confirmed the Rose Bowl in Southampton in the UK will stage the first World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand, with the possibility fans will be permitted to attend.

The decision was taken after consideration over the potential impact of Covid-19 on the fixture.

Sourav Ganguly, the head of the Indian board, was quoted on Tuesday as saying the ground had been selected due to its onsite hotel.

Much of the return to international cricket last summer was staged at the Rose Bowl, and the ICC said it had drawn on “ECB’s experience of delivering a full summer of bio-safe international cricket in 2020”.

“The venue provides world-class playing and training facilities, giving both teams the best possible environment in which to prepare,” the ICC statement read.

“Whilst the on-site accommodation will significantly reduce the risk around Covid-19 transmission and better protect the health and safety of everyone involved in delivering the final.

“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 into the Hampshire Bowl to watch the final.”

Lord’s had initially been mooted as the likely venue for the final of the inaugural WTC.

“The ICC World Test Championship final is the pinnacle event in the Test calendar and is intended to be a week-long celebration of the oldest form of the game,” Geoff Allardice, the ICC’s general manager of cricket, said.

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India complete series win against England

India's captain Virat Kohli, centre, congratulates Ravichandran Ashwin, right, after dismissing England's Zak Crawley during the third day of fourth Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday, March 6, 2021. India won the Test by by an innings and 25 runs and the series 3-1. AP

Ravichandran Ashwin picked up five wickets in England's second innings in the fourth Test in Ahmedabad. Getty

India's Axar Patel, right, celebrates with captain Virat Kohli after the dismissal of England's Ben Stokes. AP

India's Axar Patel picked up five wickets in the second innings of the Ahmedabad Test against England. AFP

England's Dan Lawrence put up a brave fight, scoring a fifty in the second innings on Saturday. AFP

India's Washington Sundar raises his bat as he walks off the field after remaining unbeaten on 96 during the third day of fourth Test. AP

Washington Sundar, right, and Axar Patel added 106 runs. AP

India's Washington Sundar missed out on a deserved century. Reuters

Axar Patel scored 43 batting at number nine. Getty

Team physiotherapist checks out India's Mohammed Siraj, left, after he got hurt while fielding on Saturday. AP

England's Ben Stokes was rewarded for his hard work as he finished with four wickets. Reuters

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“A format that is rooted in tradition and features the best that the game has to offer. I would also like to congratulate both India and New Zealand for becoming part of history by reaching the first final.

“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.”