ICC World Test Championship Final Race: When India face England for the four-Test series, it will have a final chance to extend its lead and with also strengthen the chances to finish in top two for the Lords’ extravaganza, which has now been postponed to June 18. It will be a crucial series for both the teams as it will decide their fate for the WTC final.
What is the current scenario of WTC standings?
Currently, India and New Zealand are placed at the top two spots in the WTC standings. Virat Kohli’s side has 430 points after playing five series, while New Zealand has 420 points after playing five series.
India will be playing one more series against England as part of WTC and Australia, who is placed at the third spot, will be taking on South Africa. Australia would be required to win against South Africa if Tim Paine and boys wish to make it to the finals of WTC.
| Rank | Team | PCT | Points | Series Played | Matches Played |
Matches Won |
Matches Lost |
Matches Drawn |
| 1 | India | 71.7% | 430 | 5 | 13 | 9 | 3 | 1 |
| 2 | New Zealand | 70.0% | 420 | 5 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 0 |
| 3 | Australia | 69.2% | 332 | 4 | 14 | 8 | 4 | 2 |
| 4 | England | 68.7% | 412 | 5 | 17 | 10 | 4 | 3 |
| 5 | Pakistan | 37.7% | 226 | 5.5* | 11 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
| 6 | South Africa | 34.3% | 144 | 4* | 10 | 3 | 7 | 0 |
| 7 | Sri Lanka | 16.7% | 80 | 4 | 8 | 1 | 6 | 1 |
| 8 | West Indies | 11.1% | 40 | 3 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 0 |
| 9 | Bangladesh | 00.0% | 0 | 1.5 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
* indicates ongoing series
ICC World Test Championship: How can India qualify for WTC final?
With a historic win at the Gabba, India now have some breathing space. However, to confirm the WTC final spot they need to reach 505 points. For it to happen, India will have to win the Test series against England by a margin of 4-0 or 3-0 or 3-1 or 2-0.
ICC World Test Championship: How can England qualify for WTC final?
A tie would change the equations considerably as it would mean the participating sides would get 50% of the points for that particular match compared to 33% for a draw. Points docked for slow-over rate could also, bring in a change in equations as the prospective margin between India, Australia and New Zealand look very fine at the moment.