The International Cricket Council (ICC) formally announced on Wednesday that Southampton will host the inaugural World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand in June and a limited number of fans could be allowed if the easing of lockdown in the UK continues.

The game will be played in a bio-secure bubble at the Hampshire Bowl from June 18-22.

“Should the UK government’s phased easing of Covid-19 lockdown measures proceed as planned, it is anticipated that a limited number of fans will be allowed into the Hampshire Bowl to watch the final,” the ICC statement read.

Initially, the final was supposed to be held at Lord’s but the ICC and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) decided to change the venue to ensure that the fixture could be staged safely. “In selecting the Hampshire Bowl, the ICC drew on ECB’s experience of delivering a full summer of bio-safe international cricket in 2020,” the ICC said