Australia secured a 184-run victory over India in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series and boosting their chances of reaching the World Test Championship final. However, India's chances of qualifying for the WTC final now depend on various factors. Here's a simplified explanation:
Current Scenario
India currently holds the third position in the World Test Championship (WTC) points table with 52.78 PCT%.
Qualification Criteria
To qualify for the WTC final, India needs to:
Win in the fifth Test against Australia, starting January 3, 2025, at the Sydney Cricket Ground. This win will be crucial in keeping their hopes alive.
Depend on Sri Lanka’s win over Australia: After securing a win in the fifth Test, India will then rely on Sri Lanka to beat Australia in their two-match Test series, starting January 29, 2025, in Galle. The ideal scenario for India would be for Sri Lanka to win the series 2-0 or 1-0, which would boost India's chances of qualifying for the WTC final.
It's worth noting that Australia's injury concerns, particularly with Mitchell Starc's rib issue, might impact their performance in the fifth Test. However, India will still need to deliver a strong performance to secure a win.