The World Test Championship (WTC) points table witnessed some movement following the third Test between India and Australia in Brisbane. The thrilling draw on day five of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test has left India’s points percentage (PCT) slightly diminished, though they continue to hold the third spot behind Australia and South Africa.
India’s Position on the WTC Table
India managed to gain four points from the drawn Test, taking their overall tally to 114 points in the WTC standings. However, their PCT slipped from 57.29% to 55.88%, marking their second draw in the ongoing WTC cycle. Despite this slight setback, India’s chances of qualifying for the WTC final remain alive, though the road ahead has become more challenging.
Meanwhile, Australia’s PCT also dropped from 60.71% to 58.88% after the draw. The defending WTC champions remain in the second position with a total of 106 points. South Africa, leading the table with a PCT of 63.33%, are now just one win away from securing their place in the WTC final scheduled to be held at Lord’s in 2025.
Highlights of Day 5 in the Gabba Test
The final day of the third Test saw an intense battle between bat and ball, with neither team able to claim victory. The result leaves both teams reassessing their strategies as they prepare for the final two Tests of the series. For India, the draw highlights the importance of avoiding any further slip-ups if they hope to remain in contention for the WTC final.
India’s Scenarios for WTC Qualification
With only two Tests left in the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India’s qualification for the WTC final now depends on their performances in the remaining matches. Here’s how the scenarios stack up for Team India:
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Winning Both Remaining Matches:
- If India win the last two Tests, they will finish the WTC cycle with 138 points and a PCT of 60.52%. This scenario would knock Australia out of the WTC final race and secure India’s spot in the marquee clash.
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Winning One Match and Drawing the Other:
- If India win one match and draw the other, they will end the cycle with 130 points and a PCT of 57.01%. Australia could then qualify for the WTC final if they manage a 2-0 win in their upcoming series against Sri Lanka.
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Drawing the Series 2-2:
- A 2-2 series result would leave India with 126 points and a PCT of 55.26%. In this case, Australia would need just one win in their two-match series against Sri Lanka to edge ahead of India in the standings.
Australia’s Path to the WTC Final
Australia, too, find themselves in a precarious position after the drawn Test. With four matches remaining in the WTC cycle, they will need to capitalize on their opportunities to ensure a place in the final. Australia’s next assignment is a two-match series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin in late January. A dominant performance in that series could solidify their chances of qualification.
Current WTC Points Table (Post-Gabba Test)
| Pos. | Team | Matches Played | Points | PCT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 10 | 120 | 63.33% |
| 2 | Australia | 15 | 106 | 58.88% |
| 3 | India | 17 | 114 | 55.88% |
| 4 | New Zealand | 14 | 81 | 48.21% |
| 5 | Sri Lanka | 11 | 60 | 45.45% |
| 6 | England | 22 | 114 | 43.18% |
| 7 | Pakistan | 10 | 40 | 33.33% |
| 8 | Bangladesh (E) | 12 | 45 | 31.25% |
| 9 | West Indies (E) | 11 | 32 | 24.24% |
Upcoming Matches in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
The remaining two Tests in the India-Australia series are set to be pivotal in shaping the WTC standings:
- 4th Test: Australia vs India
- Venue: Melbourne
- Dates: December 26-30, 2024
- Time: 5 AM IST
- 5th Test: Australia vs India
- Venue: Sydney
- Dates: January 3-7, 2025
- Time: 5 AM IST
Conclusion
The drawn Test at the Gabba has added another layer of intrigue to the World Test Championship standings. While South Africa appears to have a firm grip on the top spot, the battle for the second position remains intense between India and Australia. For Team India, the equation is simple yet challenging: win the remaining matches to keep their hopes alive. As for Australia, their destiny lies in their own hands, with an upcoming series against Sri Lanka offering a final chance to secure their place in the final.
Cricket fans around the world will undoubtedly be glued to their screens as the drama unfolds in the final stages of the WTC cycle. With so much at stake, the remaining Tests promise to be nothing short of riveting.