World Test Championship final: India & New Zealand frustrated again as day four washed out

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Rain at the Hampshire BowlImage source, Reuters
Image caption,

The entire first day of the game was lost to the weather - the same fate befell day four

ICC World Test Championship final, Hampshire Bowl (day four of five, plus reserve day if needed)

India 217: Rahane 49, Kohli 44; Jamieson 5-31

New Zealand 101-2: Conway 54, Latham 30

India lead by 116 runs

India and New Zealand were frustrated by the weather again as another day of the World Test Championship final was completely washed out by rain.

Persistent rain hung around throughout the fourth day in Southampton until the abandonment came just before 15:00 BST.

Only 141.1 overs have been possible so far with New Zealand currently 101-2, trailing India by 116 runs.

A reserve, sixth day is in place so two days remain but a draw is now the clear favourite for the inaugural final.

Were that to happen, India and New Zealand would be crowned joint winners and would share the £1.7m prize money pot.

The forecast is at least much improved for the next two days.

When play does restart, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will be 12 not out while Ross Taylor is yet to score, having faced two balls before bad light curtailed day three.

New Zealand's best hope of victory would be to bat once, going beyond India's first-innings total of 217 and then bowl their opponents out on the final day.

India, buoyed by the wicket of Black Caps opener Devon Conway late on Sunday, are likely to need more quick wickets on Tuesday to have a chance of winning.

Media caption,

Jamieson gives New Zealand edge over India on day three of World Test final