India are in pole position to secure a spot in the World Test Championship final against New Zealand.© AFP
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 virtually be a direct shootout for a place in the World Test Championship final in July. With the standings now decided on the basis of percentage of points won, New Zealand have secured a place for the final at Lord’s. India currently lead the table, with 71.7% points won. New Zealand are in second place, with 70% points won, while Australia have won 69.2% of their available points and England 68.7%.
If India take the series with two or more wins, they will face Kane Williamson’s team, while England need to win at least three matches to qualify.
Australia will remain dependant on either a drawn series, or with either team winning it with a narrow margin.
Here is a look at the qualification scenarios for each of the three teams:
India
The Virat Kohli-side will comfortably qualify as the table-toppers if they win the series 2-0, 2-1, 3-0, 3-1 or 4-0.
England
England have to win the series 3-0, 3-1 or 4-0 to leapfrog India and Australia to get a spot in the final.
Australia
Promoted
If the series ends in a draw, with any score line, Australia will qualify. If India win the series 1-0, Australia will qualify. If England win the series 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1, Australia will qualify.
The World Test Championship final will be played between June 18 and June 22 at Lord’s in London, with June 23 kept as a reserve day.
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