WTC final date out: The scenarios under which Team India can qualify for World Test Championship final

WTC final date out:The ICC World Test Championship final date has been announced, which will take place at The Oval later this year.There will be a reserve day for the ICC World Test Championship final (June 12), which will take place at The Oval in London from June 7 to 11. At the WTC final match last yearin Southampton, New Zealand defeated India by eight wickets to win the inaugural competition.

As team India hosts visiting Australia for the four-match Test series and three-match ODI series in February and March, it is imperative to look at how the series will impact India’s standing in the ICC World Test Championship.

Currently, Australia is sitting at the top of the points table with a winning percentage of 75.56. The Aussies played the last test series against South Africa and thrashed them 2-0 at home in January. Team India is currently at the second spot with a 58.93 winning percentage. Sri Lanka and South Africa are placed at the third and fourth spots respectively.

India loses third Test, campaign for WTC final still alive

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Team India lost the third Test match of the ongoing four-match Test series in Indore on Friday, March 3. Although they had been in control of the game from the beginning, no one had anticipated that they would crumble against Australian spinners in the second innings. Australia defeated India by 9 wickets after India were skittled out for just 163 runs in the second innings.

But here's good news for Indian cricket fans: India is still in the race to reach the WTC final. Now, Team India must win the fourth and final Test match of the series slated to be held from March 9 to 14. Overall, India must finish the series with a 3-1 lead to reach the WTC final. However, if India suffers another defeat in the final Test match, its fate will be decided by the performance of Sri Lanka and South Africa in the last remaining two test series. (More details below)

World Test Championship points table

With a PCT of 69+, Australia now holds the first slot in the WTC points rankings. India now holds the second position in the WTC points table after a PCT decline to 60. Sri Lanka, which has a PCT of 53.0, is ranked third.

As of now, two more test series are yet to be played to decide the two finalists of the ongoing cycle of the ICC World Test Championship. The first Test series will be played between New Zealand and Sri Lanka, while the second and last Test series will be played between South Africa and West Indies.

How can India qualify for the WTC Final?

Team India has to win at least 3 matches out of 4 to meet Australia in the WTC final match. However, if team India manages to win less than 3 matches in the IND vs AUS series, then India’s qualification will depend on the performance of Sri Lanka and South Africa in the last remaining two test series.

How can team India grab the number 1 spot in test rankings?

Under the following scenarios, team India will be able to overtake Australia to become the number 1 team in the world test rankings.

If Team India wins the series 2-0 (India wins 2 matches and 2 matches are drawn)
If Team India wins the series 3-1 (India wins 3 matches and Australia 1)
If Team India wins the series 4-0 (India wins all 4 matches, but not possible now)
If Team India wins the series 3-0 (India wins 3 matches and 1 is drawn, not possible now)