India’s Fight For WTC Final Spot Intensifies After Draw Against Australia

India’s chances of qualifying for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final took a dramatic turn on Wednesday as Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep’s gritty 10th-wicket partnership helped India secure a crucial draw in the rain-hit third Test against Australia at the Gabba. The result ensured the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series remained tied at 1-1, keeping India’s qualification hopes alive.

Following the draw, both India and Australia saw their World Test Championship points percentage (PCT) drop. India now sits at 55.88%, while Australia is slightly ahead at 58.89%. South Africa, with 63.33%, leads the standings, putting them in a prime position to qualify for the WTC final scheduled for June 2025. India and Australia, however, remain close behind and will continue to battle it out in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and the New Year Test in Sydney in early 2025.

India’s Road To The Final Becomes Tougher

With only two matches left in the ongoing WTC cycle, India’s path to the final is a daunting one. Their current PCT leaves them in third place, trailing both South Africa and Australia. To overtake these two teams and secure a spot in the WTC final, India must win their remaining two Tests against Australia.

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India’s qualification hopes depend entirely on flawless performances in the upcoming Tests. If India wins both matches, they would boost their PCT to 60.52%, surpassing Australia even if the defending champions win their final series against Sri Lanka 2-0. However, any other result would leave India relying on the outcomes of other matches to qualify for the final.

The Tight Race: South Africa And Australia’s Favorable Positions

While India’s future in the competition is uncertain, South Africa and Australia are in more favorable positions. South Africa’s comprehensive win over Sri Lanka has solidified their standing with a PCT over 60%. They need just one more win in their remaining two Tests against Pakistan to guarantee a place in the WTC final. Even if they lose both, they will still remain strong contenders, barring a highly unlikely 3-1 series win by India in Australia.

Australia, ranked second, will also play two Tests in Sri Lanka. A 2-0 series victory there would secure their spot in the final, provided India falters in one of the upcoming Tests in Melbourne or Sydney.

For India, the equation is straightforward but challenging: win both remaining Tests against Australia or face elimination from the race for the WTC final. The pressure is mounting as India aims to ensure their qualification and make it to Lord’s for the 2025 final.