WTC Scenarios: The balancing three Border Trophy Tests have gained more importance as it has become more or less a elimination match contest between India and Australia for the WTC final spot. South Africa’s 109 run victory over Sri Lanka at Gqeberha on Monday have put them on the verge of their maiden World Test Championship (WTC) final arrival. For confirming their spot for next year’s title clash they are now one win away.
When the 2024/25 season began, five teams – India, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka – were in with a chance to make the WTC final. Thanks to their series win against England, New Zealand are now out of contention. Sri Lanka have very slim hopes of limitation. As a result, the balancing three Border-Gavaskar Trophy Tests have gained more significance as it has become more or less a single-elimination between India and Australia for the WTC final spot.
Here are the full description of where each of these teams stand……
South Africa
At the start of 2024, when the South Africa side travelled to New Zealand, a palace in the WTC final appeared a long shot. But here they are, needing only one win from their two home Tests against Pakistan to seal a spot. It has been some turnaround for the Proteas, who had just one win from their first five Tests. At that time, they have won five on the bounce and are topping the table with a 63.33 percentage.
Remaining Tests : Two vs Pakistan at Centurion, Cape Town.
Australia
They have dropped to second spot, but the prospect looks bright for the defending champions. If out of last three Tests versus India, they win two, even a series loss in Sri Lanka won’t prevent them from finishing in the top two.
Remaining Tests : 3 Vs India at Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne; 2 Vs Sri Lanka at Galle
India
A 3rd successive WTC final final berth was very much within their reach at one stage. After lost four of their last five Tests, India still have their destiny in their own hands. Even If Australia wins the series vs Sri Lanka with a 2-0 margin, and if India win two of the remaining three Tests and draw one, they can finish in the top two. But if India win the Border- Gavaskar Trophy by 2-1, Australia can still pass them by winning both the Tests in Sri Lanka.
Remaining Tests : 3 Vs Australia at Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka team chances are very lean as Sri Lanka team need a lot of other results to go their way. If Sri Lanka team are still in contention by then, they need both the Tests at Galle to win that only take them to Lord’s.
Remaining Tests : 2 Vs Australia at Galle.
