The clock is ticking down fast as we near the end of the 2021-23 cycle of the World Test Championship. With just three series left, let’s take a look at where the teams stand and their World Test Championship Qualification Scenario.
South Africa’s loss to Australia in the recently concluded series was a big blow to the Proteas’ chances of competing in the WTC final. Though SA lost the series, the drawn Sydney game leaves them with some hope. As things currently stand, there are three series left and the top three on the table currently are Australia, India and Sri Lanka.
While Australia sit on top of the table with 75% points, India are placed second with 58.93% points. Making up the top three is Sri Lanka with 53.33% points. Sitting on top of the table, Australia has all but secured their position in the WTC final, but are India through? Let’s break down the race for the WTC final.
Australia confirms its spot in WTC final
First up is Australia. Following their win over South Africa and with 75% points in their kitty, the place in the WTC final is all but sealed. Australia have just one series remaining. They are set to take on India in an away four-match Test series.
While a win will seal their spot, if they do fall to a 4-0 loss to India, their points will drop to 59.65%. But that will not be enough to knock them out of the race. The only way the Aussie side will miss out on the berth is if they lose all their matches to India and Sri Lanka win not one but both their away matches over New Zealand.
Considering they don’t concede any penalty points, all the Australian side need to do is draw one Test against India to seal their place in the final.
India World Test Championship Qualification Scenario
Coming to the Men in Blue, they are currently placed second with 58.93% and have one series remaining – when they host Australia in February for a four-match series. India’s 2-0 win over Bangladesh saw them occupy the second spot on the table.
For India to ensure their place in the final, they need to register at least a 3-1 win over Australia. A 3-1 win would mean that India wouldn’t depend on other nations to qualify. Furthermore, a 3-1 win in India’s favour, would seal the finalists with both Australia and India qualifying.
If India draw the series against Australia their fate would depend on the Sri Lanka vs New Zealand series. A 2-0 win in Sri Lanka’s favour would see India slip out of the top two position.
Sri Lanka World Test Championship qualification Scenario
For the currently third-placed Lankan side, their fate not only depends on their match against New Zealand but also on other outcomes. Sri Lanka, currently with 53.33% points in their kitty, will need to hand the Kiwi side a 2-0 whitewash. If they do sweep the series then they will secure 61.11% points.
But their qualification will heavily depend on the India vs Australia series. When Sri Lanka take to the field for their first test match, India and Australia will be playing their fourth match of the series. A 4-0 win for India will open the doors for Sri Lanka. But, as stated earlier, if Australia draw even one game, they’ll seal the first spot. But if India win the series, even a win for Sri Lanka wouldn’t ensure them a berth.
All in all, within the next two months, following India vs Australia’s highly anticipated Test series and Sri Lanka vs New Zealand’s series, will give us our WTC finalists.
South Africa World Test Championship qualification chances
While all the other teams are already out of the running, South Africa still hold a slight chance. Even if they win both their home games to West Indies, they will still need Sri Lanka to lose one match at least and for India to get less than 21 points. Which means, if India register a 1-0 series win or a 2-2 draw, South Africa will be knocked out.
Read More : Dean Elgar expresses his desire to continue leading South Africa in Tests
