India could have misplaced the essential Boxing Day contest by 184 runs however all isn’t misplaced so far as their possibilities of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final are involved. To qualify for the ultimate, India should win the final Test of the collection in opposition to Australia at Sydney, after which hope for a optimistic consequence for Sri Lanka (or a 0-0 draw) when Australia excursions the island nationwide early subsequent 12 months. Post the loss, India’s level share (PCT) has dropped to 52.78 from 55.89. Australia, however boosted their PCT as they now have 61.46.
South Africa have already certified for the WTC remaining after beating Pakistan within the first Test by two wickets on Sunday.
If India manages to win in Sydney, they are going to have 55.26 PCT and Australia may have 54.26. A win out of two Tests in opposition to Sri Lanka then could be sufficient for Australia to go previous India’s PCT and be a part of the Proteas within the remaining.
India started the 2024/25 season in a rampant vogue, securing a assured 2-0 win over Bangladesh at house.
The script that adopted was, nonetheless, not in line with their plans. The aspect suffered an unprecedented historic loss to New Zealand at house, earlier than embarking on a difficult tour of Australia.
Under stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah, the Men in Blue rekindled their hopes for a 3rd straight look within the WTC Final, with a win within the opening Test in Perth.
However, the aspect has since gone on to lose two video games in Australia, and their WTC probabilities have taken a major hit.
But Australia’s compelling win within the remaining session right here has improved their possibilities of a World Test Championship 2025 remaining look, with the aspect now only one extra Test win away from making it to Lord’s subsequent 12 months.
Earlier in Centurion’s Boxing Day Test, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen’s gorgeous partnership took South Africa to an exciting two-wicket win over Pakistan within the first Test, confirming their spot at subsequent June’s remaining.
While Australia are out in entrance as claimants to the second spot, India are nonetheless in with an opportunity. Sri Lanka too are alive, however each will want a string of favorable outcomes to maintain their hopes alive.
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