The three series remaining in the WTC cycle are hosts India vs Australia (four Tests), hosts New Zealand vs Sri Lanka (two Tests) and hosts South Africa vs West Indies ( two Tests).
After Australia’s 2- 0 series palm over South Africa on Sunday in Sydney, they’ve more or less assured their chances of playing the WTC final in June this time. Given India is placed second on the WTC points table and will be facing the Aussies at home in the forthcoming Border- Gavaskar series, they could also seal the deal to qualify for the final without depending on results of others. Since only three series are left in the current WTC cycle – India vs Australia, New Zealand vs Sri Lanka and South Africa vs West Indies, all three of India, Australia and Sri Lanka have a chance to end up in the top two.
Sitting in the top spot with a PCT of75.56, Australia has one leg in the tests. The only script in which they will fail to play the peak clash is if they lose to India 0- 4 and Sri Lanka win their two matches in New Zealand. However, their PCT will drop down to 59, If Australia rendition in the Border- Gavaskar series.65 while Sri Lanka’s 2- 0 palm in New Zealand will take their PCT to61.11.
In a case where Australia manages to play a draw against India, losing the series 0- 3, and do n’t concede any penalty points, their PCT would still be61.40, which would be hardly enough for them to qualify for the tests. They just have to insure they aren’t conceding any penalty points, differently they would be counting on other platoon’s results for their qualification.
India is presently placed second on the WTC points table with a PCT of58.93 and if they beat Australia 3- 1 or better, they will qualify for the tests anyhow of the results from other series. Beating Australia 4- 0 will take their PCT to68.06, in a 3-1-win script it’ll be62.5 while if the series is drawn 2- 2, India’s PCT will be56.94.
The three series remaining in the WTC cycle are hosts India vs Australia( four Tests), hosts New Zealand vs Sri Lanka( two Tests) and hosts South Africa vs West Indies( two Tests). Let’s take a look at the qualification scripts for India as one of the finalists.
If Rohit Sharma and Co. decide the four- match Test series against Australia by a periphery of 4- 0, 3- 0 or 3- 1, India would surely qualify for the WTC final irrespective of the results in the other two Test series in the cycle.
If Rohit Sharma and Co. concede a clean reach against Australia, losing 0- 4 in the series, also India will finish with45.4 points and be out of the race for the tests.
If Rohit Sharma and Co. secure a 2- 1 palm, their final points chance will be58.8. In case of 2- 0, it’ll be60.65 and a palm by 1- 0 will get them56.94. In similar script, South Africa will be out of the race. But India’s chances will depend on how Sri Lanka performs in NewZealand.However, also India stand a chance to qualify, If Sri Lanka do not win further than one Test in New Zealand. And if Sri Lanka lose both Tests, India will surely play the final. But if Sri Lanka win 2- 0, also they will reach the final.
If Rohit Sharma and Co. draw the series 2- 2, they will be at56.4 on the points table. South Africa will be out of the race. India would qualify if Sri Lanka do not win the series.
Still, 1- 2, 1- 3 or 0- 3, If India lose the series by a scoreline of 0- 2. still, their final points chance will be 51, If India lose 0-1.39, and they would depend on the results by Sri Lanka and South Africa.
So in a case where India and Australia play a 2- 2 draw, and Sri Lanka manages to beat New Zealand 2- 0, India will be out of top two – meaning Australia and Sri Lanka could be the WTC finalists.
While the Border- Gavaskar series will begin on February 9th in Nagpur, New Zealand and Sri Lanka will commence their Test series on March 9th in Christchurch. Know More Latest News…
