With 18 Tests left in the current World Test Championship cycle, several teams are still in the running, and no team has yet cemented a place in the top two.
India
Percent: 58.33, Matches remaining: Australia (five away from home)
Percent: 58.33, Matches remaining: Australia (five away from home)
Three unexpected defeats against New Zealand have left India standing on a banana peel. They certainly run the risk of missing out on the WTC final at Lord’s next June, and to be certain of a top-two finish, India now need to thump Australia 4-0.
India can also make the cut with far fewer points assuming other results happen this way: India lose to Australia 2-3, New Zealand draw with England 1-1, South Africa draw 1-1 at home in both their remaining series and Australia draw 0-0 in Sri Lanka.
In that case, Australia will finish on top at 58.77%, but India’s 53.51% will still be adequate for second place, ahead of South Africa (52.78%), New Zealand (52.38%) and Sri Lanka (51.28%). However, given the enormity of the task ahead it’s far more likely now that they will need help from other teams to play the WTC final.
New Zealand
Percent: 54.55, Matches remaining: England (three at home)
Percent: 54.55, Matches remaining: England (three at home)
At the beginning of the series in India, it seemed a long shot that New Zealand would still be jostling for a place in the WTC final after the series. But three incredible victories have kept the dream alive. If New Zealand secure triumph in each of their three remaining Tests, against England at home, they will finish on 64.29%. It won’t ensure qualification, but it will certainly keep them in the hunt. If the Blackcaps lose one of those Tests, though, their percentage will retract to 57.14%, which might still prove enough depending on other results.
