World Test Championship qualification scenarios: How can India qualify for WTC final after IND vs AUS 3rd Test?

World Test Championship qualification scenarios: How can India qualify for WTC final after IND vs AUS 3rd Test? (BCCI Photo)

World Test Championship qualification scenarios: Team India managed to salvage a draw from a precarious position in the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy match in Brisbane. The tourists after asking Australia to bat first found themselves in a tough position as the hosts piled a gigantic 445 on the board in the first innings. The situation got more difficult as India were reduced to 44/4 in the first innings. However, remarkable efforts by KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja helped India get back on course and it took some fearless batting by tailenders Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep to help the tourists avoid a follow-on.

Rain also played a huge role in deciding the outcome of the match as umpires called off the contest, which left both sides sharing the spoils. However, the draw didn't help India's case in the race for World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final as Rohit Sharma and Co. find themselves third on the table with a win percentage slipping from 57.29 to 55.88.

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If we look at the standings, South Africa stand at the top with 63.33 win percentage and are followed by Australia, who have 58.89.

So going by the current scenario we take a look at how many losses can India afford from here...

India have two more Tests remaining in the WTC 2023-25 cycle (26th December vs Australia in Melbourne and 3rd January vs Australia in Sydney). In order to qualify the team cannot afford another defeat in the remaining two matches. If we talk about draws, then India can only afford one.

Where will two wins take India?

If India manage to win both their remaining matches it will take their win percentage to 60.52, which cannot be overhauled by Australia. The outcome will also help India claim the Border-Gavaskar series 3-1, which will be the third consecutive time that India will win a Test series on Australian soil.

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India’s WTC final scenarios

If India beat Australia 3-1 and finish with 60.52 win percentage, Australia will only be able to manage 57 win percentage even if they win all their remaining matches, which includes the tour to Sri Lanka.

If India and Australia finish at 2-2 draw, Rohit and his boys will finish with a win percentage of 57.01. Australia will then have an advantage, making the road much easier for the defending champions to qualify for the finale, which will be played on June 11 at Lord's.