New Delhi, Dec 10: The race to secure a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s next June remains fiercely contested, with four teams still in contention. Defending champions Australia, alongside South Africa, India, and Sri Lanka, are vying for a place in the ultimate Test cricket showdown. However, New Zealand and Pakistan, along with others like England, West Indies, and Bangladesh, have been eliminated from this cycle.
South Africa
South Africa currently leads the standings after two dominant victories over Sri Lanka, which saw them leap from fifth place to the top spot. With two remaining Tests at home against Pakistan, a single victory would be enough to confirm their debut appearance in the WTC final.
Australia
Australia, following their crucial victory over India in Adelaide, have solidified their path to the final. Their chances largely depend on their performance in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Winning two more matches in this series would not only eliminate India but also ensure their place in the final, regardless of the outcome of their subsequent series against Sri Lanka. Should Australia falter in the current series, they could still qualify by securing wins in Sri Lanka.
India
India’s loss in Adelaide has complicated their campaign. To guarantee a spot in the final, India must defeat Australia convincingly, with a 4-1 series victory being their only sure path to qualification. Anything less would leave their hopes dependent on other results, particularly Australia’s performance in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s chances, though slim, are still alive. To make the final, Sri Lanka must win their two home Tests against Australia while relying on Pakistan to win both of their matches against South Africa. However, even one victory for South Africa in their series against Pakistan would end Sri Lanka’s campaign.
Eliminated Teams
England’s slow over-rate penalties have been a costly setback, effectively ending their WTC journey despite a final Test against New Zealand. Without these penalties, England’s points tally might have kept them in contention.
Meanwhile, New Zealand, despite their earlier 3-0 win over India, were eliminated following two heavy defeats to England. Pakistan’s chances also faded after South Africa’s recent wins, as they can no longer achieve a percentage high enough to challenge for a top-two finish.
With pivotal matches still to come, particularly in the ongoing Australia-India series, the final lineup for the WTC decider will soon take shape.
The Boxing Day Tests could prove decisive, adding an extra layer of excitement to the closing stages of this WTC cycle. (Agencies)
