Who Will be the Next WTC finalists?
As cricket fans worldwide await the final contest of the World Test Championship, the picture is still unclear as to who will be the finalists for the contest. WTC enters a crucial phase as the cricketing nations are playing their few last series to raise the chances for the finals.
Current Standings
As of the current standings in the point table, India tops it with an impressive 61.11 PCT showcasing their dominance. Second to India, there is South Africa with 59.26 PCT, which shows the hard work and performance they have done during this cycle. The defending champion Australia under the leadership of Pat Cummins is not far away, they stand at third position with 57.69 PCT.
Main Contenders
India
India being the leader in the points table is the main contender to reach the finals. But in front of them, there is a crucial 5-match test series, the Border Gavaskar trophy which will decide their fate for the WTC final. Now after winning the first test, the team looks to be in a dominant position and if they win their remaining matches they could secure a finals ticket with a potential PCT of 69.44.
Tough Road for Australia
Pat Cummins led the team that won the last World Test Championship. With 6 tests remaining, 4 in front of India and 2 against Pakistan, they have the best chance as they can reach the highest 71.05 PCT, though they are currently in third position.
South Africa’s Chances
With a dominating victory against Sri Lanka and with 3 remaining tests, one with Sri Lanka and two with Pakistan they look in a good position to reach finals. But the current injury blow might detail their train to the WTC final. They can reach a maximum of 69.44 PTC.
Upcoming deciders: Border Gavaskar Trophy
Since Australia and India are both main contenders for the finals, the series might be decided on who will get there. Some can even call it a pre-finals series. Both teams' futures hang in this series.
The Role of Point System
Since the introduction of the World Test Championship, the Championship has been played under a percentage-based system. In this system every team on 12.4 wins 6 for a tie and 4 for a draw. This system creates a level playing field.
England and New Zealand are out of the race.
England and New Zealand are not in the race for the finals as the best PCT they can reach is 42.50 and 55.36 respectively. Though England won the first test of the series between them, they cannot improve their chances for the final. Both teams have been penalized with 3-3 points each for the slow over rate during the test match which even made their score worse.
It will be interesting to see which two teams reach the final and play it at the iconic Lords Cricket Ground. With India, Australia and South Africa as the best contenders for the finals, their last ongoing series will decide their fate.
