The inaugural edition of the ICC test championship trophy is currently underway. The top 9 test playing nations are part of the tournament. Teams that will end on the top 2 positions will play the final from 18 June 2021 at Lord’s cricket stadium, London. India’s upcoming home series against England will be their last chance to qualify for the ICC test championship final match.
Currently, India is at the top of the table but the cards can turn around as the next series is going to be India’s last in the tournament. While teams like South Africa, Sri Lanka have two more series left. The mighty Aussies will also play a series against South Africa. The results of this series may remove India from the top 2 positions. However, South Africa, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Bangladesh are out of the race of ICC test championship final match. And now only India, New Zealand, Australia and England are alive in the ICC test championship trophy.
ICC Test Championship Trophy Final Match Chances
The upcoming 4-match test series between India and Australia and the 3-match series between Australia and South Africa will decide the two finalists. India needs to win the series by 4-0, 3-0, 3-1, or 2-0 against England to qualify for the big match at Lord’s, whereas a 0-3 or 0-4 loss will wipe away India’s chances of playing the ICC test championship final match.
New Zealand is currently at the no.2 spot and has no series left in the tournament. Their hopes will now rely on Australia and England’s performance. For Australia, they have to avoid a loss in the upcoming series. If Aussies claim a 3-0 or 2-0 win against South Africa they will cement their place in the ICC test championship trophy final match.
Earlier finalists were to be selected according to points. But due to the cancellation of some series amid the Covid-19 pandemic, ICC made a change in rules and now the teams with the highest percentage of points won (PCT) will qualify for the main match. Currently, India has the highest PCP of 71.7%. New Zealand, Australia and England are following India with a PCT of 70.0%, 69.2%, 68.7% respectively.