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WTC Final qualification scenario (Source: Twitter)
The third Test between Australia and South Africa ended in a draw in Sydney as South Africa finished Day 5 on 106/2 in their second innings. The rain-struck third Test helped South Africa immensely as they were on the verge of getting whitewashed in the three-match series. The draw has kept Proteas’ chances of qualification in the World Test Championship final alive as they’re on fourth position with a points percentage of 48.72.
On the other hand, Australia sit comfortably on top with a points percentage of 75.56%. South Africa’s dismal performance has made India’s chances for qualification to the final a lot easier. India and Australia will play their last series in the current WTC cycle against each other starting in February.
India, who are placed at second position with a points percentage of 58.93, will finish on 56.9 if they win two Tests against Australia and 62.5 if they win three. If India manage to whitewash Australia, they will climb to 68.05 points percentage and Australia will fall to 59.6.
On the other hand, South Africa have their last series against West Indies at home. If they manage to win both of them, they will finish with a points percentage of 55.5.
Sri Lanka have a chance of breaking India's dreams of reaching WTC final
However, there’s another team who have a shot at sealing a spot in the final. Sri Lanka are currently ranked at third position in the points table with a points percentage of 53.33. They have their last series against New Zealand in New Zealand. If Sri Lanka manage to win both of their matches, they will finish at 61.1%. And if they win one out of the two they will finish on 52.77%.
In such a case, India will straight away qualify if they win three matches against Australia and if they only manage to win two out of four, Sri Lanka will have to lose one out of their two Tests to clear the path for India.
India and Australia will lock horns in the four-match series with the first Test beginning on 9th February at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur.