The notorious weather in Southampton has once more interrupted the World Test Championship final between Virat Kohli-led Team India and Kane Williamson’s New Zealand at the Rose Bowl on Monday. Disappointed by the unpleasant weather conditions at Rose Bowl, former cricketers VVS Laxman, Sanjay Bangar, and Shane Bond have reacted to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision of keeping a reserve day and not allowing the final to continue for full 450 overs in search of a winner. 

For the second time in the final of the Test Championship final, the lunch break was taken without a ball being bowled as the opening session was a complete washout on Day 4 at Southampton. Taking cognisance of the notorious weather in Southampton, former India and New Zealand cricketers have expressed their disappointment after incessant rain stalled the Day 4 proceedings on Monday.  

ICC did not get the rules right: Laxman 

Former Indian batsman and Test specialist Laxman feels that the world governing body of cricket did not get the rules right for the Test Championship showdown between the top two teams. “It’s very sad for the fans. I think ICC did not get the rules right. All said and done, you want a champion,” Laxman told Star Sports.

With so much time available, I’m sure they could have at least allowed 90 overs in 5 days to complete 450 overs. That’s something I would have expected from ICC. We were excited that there is a reserve day but I’m not sure whether the game can finish (even with the reserve day) if the rain continues,” he added. 

I’d like to see 450 overs: Bond 

Former New Zealand pacer Bond opined that the Williamson-led side has edge over Kohli’s men in the final. Bond said that New Zealand players can find themselves in a better position if they bat well. “Both teams wanna play to win. The other thing is that the pitch is offering so much to the bowlers that even if you have three-four days of play, we could find a result. If the weather delays go on for long, sometimes it means only one team can win if New Zealand bat well after the rain finishes, it puts them in the best position but I’m with VVS, however long it takes, I’d like to see 450 overs and one team come out on top,” Bond said

It’s going to be an emotional last 2 days: Bangar

Former India batting coach Bangar also seconded the suggestions put forth by the former cricketers during the discussion. Banger opined that even a target of 160 can be difficult for New Zealand to chase. “Yesterday we saw how the ball just took off at times, Conway took some nasty hits on the gloves even Williamson. So, all these things will come into the picture plus the enormity of the occasion and the desire to get your hands on the trophy I think it’s going to be an emotional last two days,” he added.