Sourav Ganguly: ICC World Test Championship 2019-21 final to be held at Southampton

India has sealed its place in the 2019-21 ICC World Test Championship after drubbing England 3-1 in the four-Test series and retaining the Anthony de Mello Trophy. It would now take on New Zealand in the final in June.

The tournament is the maiden edition, organised by the International Cricket Council to determine the best team in the game's longest format. While the finalists and the date are set, the venue seemed to be an issue.

Initially, when ICC had announced the tournament, it had indicated Lord's being the potential venue, as it has a tradition of hosting the final of the major events. However, owing to the current COVID-19 pandemic and strict norms regarding the bio-bubble, it was doubtful if Lord's could host it.

Meanwhile, the reigning president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Sourav Ganguly, has confirmed that the final would be held at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. Nonetheless, ICC is yet to announce any of the same officially.

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"It is in Southampton. It was decided a long time ago. They have the hotel, which makes it easier for them to control. That's why when England started cricket after Covid times, a lot of Test matches were held in Southampton and Manchester because they have hotels alongside the ground," Ganguly told India Today.

Speaking on India's performance in the format, Ganguly hailed the boys' commendable effort in Australia and against England at home. However, if winning the WTC would be at par with the ICC World Cup, Ganguly differed a bit. "Every trophy has its own value. A 50-over World Cup is an amazing pinnacle: you play that World Cup for two-and-a-half months and beat the best and then go through," he reckoned.

Ganguly also heaped praise on National Cricket Academy coach Rahul Dravid for doing a fine job, preparing the young guns, who have made their mark in Team India with some outstanding performances. "That's why I say Rahul Dravid has done a great job at the NCA because he looks after the second-string players. Mohammed Siraj, see a lot of talent in him. Shardul Thakur - every time they get an opportunity, they've stood up," he concluded.

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