The third Test between India and Australia at The Gabba in Brisbane has been hit hard by weather, with rain disrupting the opening day. Only 13.2 overs of play were possible on the first day due to persistent rain, leaving fans eagerly awaiting news on the weather forecast. As rain continues to affect the match, the outcome of the Test series could have significant implications, especially with the World Test Championship (WTC) final spot on the line. But what happens to India’s chances if the 3rd Test is washed out? Let’s explore the scenarios and what it could mean for India’s path to the WTC final.
Impact of Rain on the WTC Final Race
India and Australia are both vying for a spot in the 2024 World Test Championship final at Lord’s, and every point counts. With the rain affecting the Brisbane Test, it’s crucial to understand how a washout impacts the WTC standings. According to the WTC points system, teams receive 12 points for a win, 4 points for a draw, and 6 points each in the event of a tie. In case a match is entirely washed out, it is treated as a ‘no result,’ which is considered the same as a draw. In this scenario, both India and Australia would earn 4 points each.
What Happens to India’s Position if the Test is Washed Out?
In the event of a washout in the third Test, India and Australia would each earn 4 points, which would slightly alter the points table:
- India’s Total Points: 110
- Australia’s Total Points: 106
Despite the point increase, both teams would experience a change in their percentage of points (PCT), which is calculated by dividing points earned by the total points available.
- India’s PCT: 55.88
- Australia’s PCT: 58.89
While India maintains its third position in the standings, Australia retains the second spot. This slight shift in percentages still leaves both teams with work to do in order to secure a spot in the WTC final.
India’s Path to the WTC Final
India’s qualification for the WTC final remains within reach, but a washout in Brisbane would make the race more competitive. To ensure a place in the final, India will need consistent performances in the remaining matches of the series. Here are the possible outcomes:
- Scenario 1: India Wins Two Matches and Draws One If India can win two of their remaining three games and draw the third (including the Brisbane Test), they will finish with a PCT of 60.53%. This would almost guarantee them a spot in the WTC final, securing at least second place behind South Africa. In this case, even if Australia wins their final two matches against Sri Lanka, they will finish with a PCT of 57.02%, keeping them in third place.
- Scenario 2: India Wins 3-2 A 3-2 series win would take India’s PCT to 58.77%. Even if Australia manages a 1-0 win against Sri Lanka, their PCT would not be enough to overtake India, securing India’s spot in the final.
- Scenario 3: India Loses 2-3 A 2-3 loss in the series would significantly damage India’s WTC hopes. In this case, Australia, Sri Lanka, and South Africa would likely finish ahead of India. For India to qualify with this result, South Africa would need to lose both of their remaining Tests against Pakistan, and Australia would need to draw at least one of their matches in Sri Lanka. This scenario leaves India with slim chances of reaching the WTC final.
The Importance of Weather in the WTC Race
The rain in Brisbane has brought uncertainty to India’s WTC campaign, but the team still has multiple chances to recover. However, each rain-affected day or delayed match increases the pressure on India’s remaining matches, making every point even more critical. The weather forecast indicates continued rain in Brisbane, which could further limit play and impact the series result.
India will need to stay focused and capitalize on the upcoming opportunities, while also keeping an eye on the performances of their competitors. The 2024 WTC final race is tighter than ever, and India’s qualification will depend on how the team handles these challenges and how the weather affects the final matches of the series.
Conclusion
A washout in the 3rd Test between India and Australia in Brisbane would provide both teams with 4 points each, but would slightly reduce India’s chances of reaching the WTC final. For India to make it to the final, they must still aim for a series win against Australia, ensuring that they can finish in one of the top two positions in the WTC standings. With the unpredictable weather and crucial matches ahead, every point will count in determining who makes it to the grand finale at Lord’s in 2024.
Stay updated on the latest weather reports and match developments as the competition for the WTC final spot intensifies in the coming days.
