IT WILL BE one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

And it could see cricket fans descend on Hampshire immediately after the country finally comes out of lockdown in the summer.

The Ageas Bowl at West End will host the inaugural ICC World Test Championship final.

India and New Zealand will now face off at the West End ground from June 18 to June 22 to become ICC World Test Champions.

The cricket council confirmed that if lockdown restrictions are eased as planned then “a limited number of fans” will be able to attend.

And the move has been welcomed as a huge boost to the area’s economy.

MP for Eastleigh, Paul Holmes, claimed he’s already registered his interest in tickets.

He said: “It will be absolutely brilliant to get back to live sport after the struggles of the last few months.”

Eastleigh council leader Cllr Keith House said he is “thrilled and delighted”.

“I’m pleased that our borough will be the focus of the cricketing world for these five days and I’m sure that the superb playing and training facilities will provide both teams with the best opportunity to safely prepare for this prestigious final.”

With fans potentially returning to the ground for the first time following the easing of restrictions, this is expected to give a “boost” to the areas economy.

Sandeep Sesodia, Non-Executive Director of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “’This is a tremendous boost for the Ageas Bowl and for the Southampton economy given the current pandemic.

“Businesses, our community and sports fans locally will be delighted.”

Giles Semper, Executive Director at GO! Southampton added: “As a cricket lover I am thrilled to hear that we will host the ICC World Test Championships Finals.

“We could see thousands of visitors to Southampton giving a huge boost for businesses and the wider economy.”

Cllr Satvir Kaur, Southampton City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Homes said: “Southampton is known for hosting internationally significant sporting events, especially in cricket, a sport which our local communities are extremely passionate about.

“All events are of course subject to government guidance and public health should and will always be prioritised with upcoming events.”

Southampton Itchen MP, Royston Smith added: "It is fantastic news. It is a remarkable achievement for the Ageas Bowl. It's almost like all the starts have aligned and this is something to celebrate, not just for cricket, but for coming out of lockdown."