Team India suffered an embarrassing loss in the recently-concluded third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore. With the loss, India’s chances of qualifying for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final have suffered a setback.
In the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins, Steve Smith took charge and inspired Australia to a dominating win over the hosts. The tourists bundled out India for 163 on the second day and got themselves a paltry target of 76 to win the contest. On Day 3, Australia finished the proceedings early, and with the victory, the visitors also secured their place in the WTC final, which is slated to be played at The Oval in June 2023.
Notably, the Aussies have only lost three matches in the entire WTC 2021-23 cycle and carry a winning percentage of 68.52. Now even if they lose the remaining fourth Test against India, Australia will have a percentage of 65, which shall be enough to keep them in the top two.
When it comes to India, they are still alive in the WTC Final race. India are currently placed second with a winning percentage of 60.29, slightly above third-placed Sri Lanka, who are also in the race to the finale.
As of now, a win in the fourth and final Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will seal India’s spot in the WTC finals. The triumph will boost India’s percentage to 63, helping them to finish as the second team in the standings.
However, a draw or a defeat in the upcoming contest could complicate things for the Rohit Sharma-led side. In case India lose the fourth Test, their final percentage will fall to 59, which could be beaten by Sri Lanka, given they clean sweep New Zealand in the two-match Test leg to take their percentage to 61.
But if the Dimuth Karunaratne-led Sri Lanka ends the series against the Black Caps with a 1-0 or 1-1 scoreline, they will not make it to the WTC Final, even if Australia get the better of India in the Ahmedabad Test.
