With rain and bad light impacting the four days of the World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand, all eyes are on Southampton weather for the fifth day.

According to the AccuWeather website, rain is largely expected to stay away on Day 5, allowing for play to take place. While there might be light showers in the afternoon, the weather is likely to get clear at the Ageas Bowl post 5 PM.

India cricketer Dinesh Karthik, who is part of the commentary panel for the inaugural WTC final, also shared a weather update from the ground on Tuesday (June 22).

See Also: Dinesh Karthik impresses cricket fraternity with his commentary debut

Karthik took to Twitter and uploaded a picture from the venue, which suggests that fifth day’s play won’t be marred by the rain.

“No rain all day,” he wrote in the picture with cloudy and grey sky. 

The opening day of the WTC final was washed off by rain and even toss was not possible while 64.4 overs were bowled on the second day before bad light stopped the game.

On Day 3, the weather remained good for most part and almost 77 overs were bowled but poor light played spoilsport in the final session.

Rain once again came to haunt on Day 4 as the play got abandoned without a ball being bowled.

Coming to the match, India lost 7 wickets for 71 runs on the third day to get bowled out for 217 in their first innings. Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane was the top scorer with 49.

In reply, the Kiwis scored 101/2 at the close of play with skipper Kane Williamson (12) and veteran Ross Taylor (0) unbeaten at the crease.

The ICC will certainly use the allocated reserve day on June 23 to make up for the lost time. India and New Zealand will be declared joint winners in case of a draw or a tie.

(With AFP inputs)