India’s road to the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final has become significantly tougher after a ten-wicket defeat against Australia in the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Adelaide Oval. With this loss, India has dropped to third place in the WTC standings, with their point percentage (PCT) dipping to 57.29.
Australia reclaimed the top spot with a PCT of 60.71, while South Africa remains in second, poised to overtake if they win their ongoing Test against Sri Lanka. With only three matches left in the current WTC cycle, India must be near-flawless in their remaining games to keep their final hopes alive.
What Does India Need to Do?
India now faces a daunting task. To qualify outright without depending on other results:
- India must win all three remaining Tests: This will raise their PCT to 64.05, ensuring a spot in the final.
- If India wins two matches and draws one: Their PCT will rise to 60.52, which should also be sufficient.
- Any further losses or additional draws: India would then rely on favourable outcomes in other matches involving Australia and South Africa.
Scenarios If India Fails to Win 4-1
If India cannot secure victories in their remaining three Tests, they’ll need other results to work in their favor. Let’s explore various outcomes:
1. If India Wins 3-2:
- India will finish with 134 points and a PCT of 58.77.
- Australia, with only two matches left against Sri Lanka, cannot surpass this PCT.
- South Africa can only surpass this if they win both remaining matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
2. If India Wins 3-1:
- India’s PCT will improve to 60.52.
- Australia, even with back-to-back victories, cannot breach this mark.
- This scenario guarantees India a spot in the final, barring extraordinary results from South Africa.
3. If the Series Ends 2-2:
- India’s PCT would drop to 57.01.
- Australia would surpass this if they win both their remaining Tests against Sri Lanka.
- A 2-0 Australian series win over Sri Lanka would knock India out of contention.
Australia’s and South Africa’s Role
Australia currently leads the standings but will depend on their results against Sri Lanka to secure their final berth. South Africa, with Tests remaining against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, remains a significant threat to India’s chances.
Can India Achieve the Impossible?
With a slim margin for error, India must regroup and deliver strong performances in their upcoming matches. Skipper Rohit Sharma and the team will aim to capitalize on home conditions and ensure their place in a third consecutive WTC final.
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