As one of the biggest matches in the 144-year history of test cricket approached, it was somewhat fitting that one of the sport's oldest impediments made an appearance.
Rain fell on the parade of the opening day of the inaugural World Test Championship final, with a washout meaning that – brief, splashy inspections aside - the New Zealand and Indian teams had few reasons to emerge from their hotel rooms handily overlooking the Southampton ground.
The writing was on the wall before play was even scheduled to begin, with an announcement coming through 30 minutes before the much-anticipated first ball that the toss had been delayed, and there would be no play possible until after lunch.
![The covers stayed on all day on day one of the World Test Championship final. Photo / Getty](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/PY2HA7IB3FASL45NWMEQPAHUI4.jpg?auth=b203b8057d8e16c73b8a32dbb10dec8e06ba310595f063a9f3b7673e117ac780&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
After puddles – and in some areas, ponds – had formed on the outfield, there was a brief spell without rain after lunch, but once it returned the day's play was abandoned, with 98 overs scheduled for day two.