The Indian cricket team’s hopes of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final were severely dented after their heavy loss in the pink-ball Test against Australia in Adelaide. With India’s batting performance and the potential for heavy rain in the third Test, their WTC dream is fading. To qualify directly, India needs a 4-1 series win, but if the third Test ends in a draw, they must win at least one of the final two matches to stay in contention.
A victory would improve India’s PCT, surpassing Australia if the hosts lose both their remaining Tests against Sri Lanka. However, winning both the upcoming matches would guarantee India’s WTC qualification, even if Australia defeats Sri Lanka.
If the series ends 2-2, India can qualify if Sri Lanka beats Australia 1-0 in their two-match series. But if Australia wins a match, India’s path to qualification will be blocked. In such a case, Pakistan could help India by defeating South Africa in their two-match series, which would allow India and Australia to face off in the WTC Final, with South Africa missing out.
In this scenario, Australia will secure a WTC Final berth if they manage at least a draw against Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, rain at Brisbane provided India with some relief, as most of Monday’s play in the third Test was washed out. India ended the day at 51-4, with only 17 overs bowled due to the downpours. KL Rahul was 33 not out, alongside skipper Rohit Sharma, who had yet to score.
India needs 245 more runs to avoid the follow-on after having bowled Australia out for 445 earlier.
