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New Delhi, February 2, 2021 :ICC World Test Championship: Despite their tour of South Africa getting postponed due to Covid-19 fears, Australia are not out of the race for the Lord’s final. The 4-Test series between India and England will determine which of these 3 sides will join New Zealand in the final in June.
India need to win at least 2 matches and not lose the remaining 2 against England to qualify for the World Test Championship final India need to win at least 2 matches and not lose the remaining 2 against England to qualify for the World Test Championship final
New Zealand have become the first team to qualify for World Test Championship final
India need at least a 2-1 series win vs England to qualify for final
Australia can still qualify for the Lord’s final scheduled for June 2021
New Zealand on Tuesday became the first team to qualify for the final of the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship. The development comes after Australia postponed their tour of South Africa wherein they were scheduled to play 3 Test matches due to Covid-19 fears.
Australia’s chances of making to the Lord’s final in June have taken a big hit as they have to rely on other results to go their way. As of February 2, 2021, India are on top of the World Test Championship table 71.7 Percentage of Points (PCT). New Zealand, who are the 2nd spot with 70 PCT have confirmed their place in the final as they will not drop further after completing their quota of matches in the current WTC cycle.
Australia are at the third spot with a PCT of 69.2 but they won’t able to leapfrog New Zealand following the postponement of the 3-Test series in South Africa.
Here is how the World Test Championship table looks like (As of February 2, 2021)
India and England have their destiny in their own hands as they meet in a 4-Test series, which will be the last assignments in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. The two teams will kickstart the series from February 5.
What India need to do to qualify for World Test Championships final?
It’s a straightforward equation for India. Virat Kohli’s men will have to win at least 2 matches out of the upcoming 4 and not lose the other two matches of the series. They can qualify even with a 2-1 result against England in the home series.
However, if they lose 2 matches, they will be knocked out of the race for the World Test Championship final. India will be through to the WTC final if they win the England series by the following margins.
4-0, 3-0, 3-1, 2-0, 2-1.
What England need to do to qualify for World Test Championship final?
England need to win big in the series against India. Joe Root’s men need to at least win 3 matches and afford to lose only 1 match. Any of the following series scorelines will see England leapfrogging India and making the final.
4-0, 3-0, 3-1.
What Australia need to qualify for the World Test Championship final?
Australia should hope none of the above possibilities become a reality. If the India-England series is drawn, then Australia will go through to the final. Or if India loses more than 2 matches or England doesn’t manage to win at least 3 matches, Tim Paine’s team will head to Lord’s for the final.
Notably, the ICC had restructured the World Test Championship qualification system as they introduced PCT (points earned/points available) to determine the standings. The matches that are cancelled or postponed due to Covid-19 will be considered as null and void. India Today
