World Test Championship: WTC Updated Points Table, Final Scenarios After AUS vs SA 3rd Test
WTC Points Table: As the 3rd Test between Australia & South Africa failed to produce a result due to constant rain breaks and ended in a draw, it provided a sort of boost to India and Sri Lanka, who are eyeing a spot in the WTC finals to be played later this year.
Australia's wait to confirm their final spot has been extended after the rain-affected Sydney Test ended in a draw. South Africa on the other hand, who were in the 2nd spot when the 3-match series started, have slipped down to the 4th spot with 2 defeats and a draw against Australia.
Let's take a look at which teams are still in the run to qualify for the WTC Finals.
Australia – currently in 1st spot - 75.56% PCT
Remaining matches – 4 away Tests against India
Best possible finish – 80.70%
Australia have more or less confirmed their spot in the WTC Finals to be played in London later this year and are currently placed on top of the WTC points table with a considerable lead. Australia have the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series to be played against India in India in February and March. Still, they are more than likely to feature in the WTC finals regardless of the outcome of the series.
India – currently on 2nd spot - 58.92% PCT
Remaining matches – 4 home Tests against Australia
Best Possible Finish – 68.06%
Despite a bunch of regulars sidelined due to injuries, India clean swept Bangladesh in the 2-match away series. After South Africa slipped from the 2nd spot, India rose to take the Proteas' place and would have to win the Border Gavaskar Trophy series by 4-0, 3-0 or 3-1 to confirm their WTC Finals without having to depend on other teams' results.
Sri Lanka – currently in 3rd spot - 53.33% PCT
Remaining matches – 2 away Tests against New Zealand
Best Possible Finish – 61.11%
Sri Lanka were the table climbers in recent Tests and have a solid chance of making it to their first WTC finals this time. Sri Lanka would have to win both the away Tests against New Zealand which is going to be a mammoth task, and if they achieve it somehow, they'll hope for the Kangaroos to clean-sweep India in India.
South Africa – currently on 4th spot - 48.72%
Remaining matches – 2 home Tests against West Indies
Best Possible Finish – 55.55%
South Africa were in the top two positions in the WTC Points table before the start of the series against Australia. However, two defeats and a draw saw them climb down to the 4th spot. However, they're still not out of the race to reach the WTC Finals and will have to win their remaining two games against West Indies. In addition, they'd need other teams' results to go their way to make it to the finals.
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West Indies (40.91%) also have a chance to make it to the finals, but a load of unlikely results would have to be produced for it which looks improbable now.