The final of the World Test Championship now rests on the India-England Test series after Australia postpone their tour of South Africa.
Australia’s decision to pull out of the three-match Test series in South Africa means that the Test series between India and England will be directly targeted for a place in the final of the World Test Championship to be held in July. Now with the standings decided based on the points won, New Zealand have secured a spot for the final at Lord’s. Currently India leads the table with 71.7% marks. New Zealand is in second place with 70% marks, while Australia has won 69.2% of its available points and England has 68.7%.
If India take the series with two or more wins, they will face Kane Williamson’s team, while England will have to win at least three matches to qualify.
Australia will depend on either team on the draw series and either team is winning it by a narrow margin
Here’s a look at the qualification scenarios for each of the three teams:
India
If they win the series 2–0, 2–1, 3–0, 3–1, or 4–0, then Virat Kohli-Pak will comfortably pass as table-toppers.
England
England would have to win the series 3–0, 3–1 or 4–0 to leapfrog India and Australia to secure a place in the final.
Australia
If the series ends in a draw, as with any scoreline, Australia will qualify. If India win the series 1–0, then Australia will qualify. If England win the series by 1–0, 2–0 or 2–1, Australia will qualify.
The final of the World Test Championship will be played at Lord’s from 18 June to 22 June, with 23 June as a reserve day.
