India’s defeat to England ended their chances of winning the Test series in the European country after 15 years but also dented their hopes of qualifying for the 2021-2023 World Test Championship Final.
India have played 12 Test matches in the 2021-2023 cycle. They lost their fourth match of the campaign. The visitors were found guilty of slow over-rate and were docked two points from the WTC table.
They further slipped to the fourth position below Pakistan.
India had finished top of the table in the inaugural cycle of the championship but lost to New Zealand in the finale. Despite failing to emulate their previous cycle’s results, India are still alive in the race to the WTC 2023 final.
The positions are decided based on the percentage of Points (PCT%), and India are currently 4th with 52.08%.
The teams above India are Pakistan (52.38%), South Africa (71.43%), and Australia (77.78%).
Despite winning four Tests under Brendon McCullum, England are in 7th position and cannot qualify for the mega match. Similarly, West Indies, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Bangladesh are also out of the competition.
Here’s how India can still qualify for the Final
First and foremost, India must win all its remaining six matches to earn 72 points and reach 68.05%.
Next Matches
Vs Bangladesh (Two Tests)
Vs Australia (Four Tests)
If India win six of their remaining matches, they will be on 72 points, meaning they end up on 68.05%.
Further, they require Australia, South Africa, and Pakistan to drop points to end up with less than 68.05%.
Here are the mathematical calculations of Indian chances
Australia
The Aussies are at the top of the table with 77.78%. They must lose at least four matches and draw one game to finish below India.
Australia’s remaining fixtures
Vs Sri Lanka (One Test)
Vs West Indies (Two Test)
Vs South Africa (Three Test)
Vs India (Four Test)
India will have to whitewash Aussies in their upcoming series.
South Africa
The Proteas are 2nd with 71.43%. They need to lose three Tests or have to draw five matches.
South Africa’s remaining fixtures
Vs England (Three Test)
Vs West Indies (Two Test)
Vs Australia (Three Test)
The Proteas taking on the Aussies will be an ideal series for India as any result would favor their mathematical possibilities since one of the top 2 teams is bound to drop points.
Pakistan
Pakistan are currently third with 52.38%. They must win five of their remaining seven matches to finish on 68%.
Pakistan’s remaining Fixtures
Vs England (Three Test)
Vs New Zealand (Two Test)
VS Sri Lanka (Two Test)