World Test Championship: the race for the final spot intensifies
After Cricket Australia decided to postpone the Test series against South Africa, New Zealand were locked in as one of the finalists of the World Test Championship.
All to play for in the upcoming India v England series with three teams able to meet New Zealand in the final of the inaugural ICC World Test Championship!
— ICC (@ICC) February 2, 2021
Here's the breakdown, assuming a full 4-Test series with no ties and no further matches involving NZ or Australia ? #WTC21 pic.twitter.com/TTZFkPd1Ex
The Kiwis are sitting comfortably at the second position in the standings, having played all the league fixtures. The historic series win against Australia saw India climb atop the rankings with a points percentage of 71.7. Australia, on the other hand, slipped to the third spot. With just 0.5 points separating Australia and England, the race for the final spot has surely intensified.
The upcoming four-match Test series between India and England will determine which team will join the Kiwis for the final showdown at the Lord's Cricket Stadium in June 2021. Here are the qualification scenarios for the three teams.
India
The table-toppers currently have the highest points percentage (71.7) in the World Test Championship rankings. The Virat Kohli-led side needs to win with a 2-0, 2-1, 3-0 or 3-1 or 4-0 margin to seal a spot. Considering India's record at home over the last few years, they should fancy their chances of making it to the final of the inaugural World Test Championship.
England
England, who are touring India for the four-match Test series, have their tasks cut out. They will need to win at least three matches to make it to the final of the inaugural World Test Championship. To make it simpler, England must win with a 4-0, 3-0 or 3-1 margin.
Australia
With Cricket Australia (CA) postponing its proposed tour to South Africa, Australia's chances of making it to the final hang by a thread. However, they can still qualify for the final if other results go their way.
Scenarios for Australia to qualify for the final:
- England win by 1-0, 2-0, and 1-2
- Team India win by 1-0
- The series ends in a draw (0-0,1-1, or 2-2)
Interestingly, if Australia had not lost their four points due to the over-rate against India in the recently-concluded series, they would have been on par with New Zealand with a PCT of 70. If the two teams have the same points percentage, the ICC uses 'runs per wicket' ratio as a parameter. The Aussies would have made it to the final, considering that they have a better 'runs per wicket' ratio than New Zealand.
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