How does India’s loss against Australia in 3rd Test affect its chance in WTC final?

Australia have become the first team to qualify for the forthcoming World Test Championship final to be played in June. Australia earned the qualification following their nine wicket win over hosts India in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Indore.

Before the third Test against India, Australia had 66.67 percentage points in their kitty and they were holding the No. 1 spot in the points table. India were following them at 64.06 percentage points. Now, after the emphatic victory against India, the Steve Smith-led side has 68.52 percentage points. The Rohit Sharma-led India still hold the No. 2 spot. But the hosts have now 60.29 percentage points.

Now, India need to win the fourth Test against Australia starting March 9 to qualify for the World Test Championship final. Then they don’t have to depend on other teams’ results.

In another equation, If India lose the fourth Test against Australia and the series ends 2-2, and on the other hand, Sri Lanka outplay New Zealand 2-0 in the Test series, Indian team will not be among the top two. Third-placed Sri Lanka with 53.33 percentage points in their kitty are breathing down the neck.

Notably, Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne slammed unbeaten 49 and 28 respectively to take Australia to a comprehensive nine-wicket win over India in the third Test at Holkar Stadium in Indore on Friday.