Black Caps on Top of the World
03rd July 2021
Following the inception of the World Test Championship, in an aim to give test cricket more meaning, the World Test Championship Final at the Hampshire Bowl welcomed India and New Zealand to contest the inaugural final. Two weeks of glorious weather was abruptly brought to an end on the first day, with torrential rain washing out proceedings. With further rain forecast over the next few days, the ICC had the foresight to include a spare day for any time lost during the ordinary course of proceedings.
Day 2 was curtailed due to poor light, and rain once again completely washed out day 4, and potentially the climax to the previous two years was in danger of ending as a bit of a damp squib. New Zealand won the toss and elected to field, and an engrossing opening day saw honours reasonably even. Day 2 swung in favour of New Zealand as Kohli was removed early and Rahane, who had looked very comfortable making 49 fell to a sucker short delivery set up by Wagner. Devon Conway, a real find at the top of the order made 52 before chipping to wide mid on at the close of play, to leave the Black Caps in arrears by 116 with 8 wickets in hand.
The weather was relentless on day 4 with no play, and India's bowlers proved just as relentless on day 5, drying up the runs. A gritty half century from Williamson and a couple of lusty blows from Southee, saw the Kiwi's chisel out a small fist innings advantage before the day ended once again evenly poised with all three results possible. Much would depend on the reserve day first session, which ultimately proved pivotal as the Kiwi bowlers gradually chipped away at the much vaunted India batting line up.
Requiring a modest 138 runs to win, with over a session to bat (and a minimum requirement in terms of overs to bowled), the nerves were on edge when Ashwin removed both openers with 90 plus still required. Williamson and Taylor, long standing linchpins of Kiwi cricket, survived some good fortune, to see the Black Caps over the line with an unbroken partnership of 96 to become the winners of the inaugural World Test Championship.
