Australia cemented its place in the final of this year’s ICC World Test Championship after a remarkable nine-wicket victory against India in the third Test at Indore. But the place for the other finalist is wide open.
Australia has performed amazingly under the captaincy of Pat Cummins. The side emerged victorious in 11 out of the 18 Tests they featured in. The latest victory against India assured the team’s place in the WTC final. In fact, Steve Smith was captaining the side in the third Test in the absence of Cummins.
Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon grabbed 11 wickets at Indore and never allowed the Indian batters to settle down on the turning track.
On the third day of the third Test, the visitors easily crossed the finish line with the loss of Usman Khawaja, who returned to the pavilion without disturbing the scorecard. Travis Head (49*) and Marnus Labuschagne (28*) negotiated the Indian bowlers without any hue and cry and crossed the paltry total with ease.
The victory means Australia will remain on top in the WTC standings with 68.52 points; the last Test result in the ongoing series against India won’t change the arithmetic for the visitors. However, India has been occupying the second spot with 60.29 points and is looking to win the decider of the series to be played in Ahmedabad and ensure a berth in the final. The final of WTC is scheduled to be played at the Oval in England in June.
If India fails to register a victory or draw in the fourth Test, it will open the door for Sri Lanka or South Africa to be the other finalist. In fact, Sri Lanka has to play some remarkable cricket to beat New Zealand on their home turf by 2-0, and then the islanders can qualify for the final.
South Africa is also in the race to reach the final; if they beat the West Indies in the second Test and Sri Lanka goes down to New Zealand, then the Proteas will qualify for the final.