Team India has stormed past the Proteas to secure the second spot on the 2021-23 WTC table following their trashing of Bangladesh, accompanied by South Africa’s loss to the Kangaroos.
South Africa had made themselves immovable at the second spot of 2021-23 World Test Championship, and looked set to face Australia in this cycle’s final. However, Elgar and co. have fallen one place to number three after a two-day pummelling at the Gabba.
The Kangaroos, who displaced India at the top of ICC Test rankings following a clean sweep against the Caribbean are comfortably positioned on the World Test Championship standings as well with a point-percentage of 76.92. They are certain to feature in the final if they can manage two more wins from their six remaining matches.
IND vs AUS final in March 2023 is on the cards, as the India now has a better point-percentage (55.77) than third-positioned South Africa (54.55).
Some scenarios, however, still have to be fulfilled to ensure India maintains its 2nd position on the WTC table for the 2021-23 cycle.
How can India feature in the 2021-23 WTC final?
1. Team India has to beat Bangladesh in the second and last test match that starts on December 22 to make their lead over the Proteas more substantial.
2. To make sure India has a better point-percentage than South Africa even if the latter register wins in all four of their remaining tests before the cycle reaches its end, India has to follow up their 2-0 clean-sweep against BAN with a clinical home series against Australia to ensure a top two finish at on the WTC 2021-23 table.
South Africa still has four games (2 each against Kangaroos and West Indies) and Team India five (1 against BAN and four against Australia).
Rohit and co. have to win the 4 match test series by a margin of 3-0 or better to make sure their fate stays in their own hands.
The 2021-23 World Test Championship final will be held at The Oval, England in June 2023. This will be second time straight that England hosts the crowning match of cricket’s ultimate format.