How India Can Qualify for the World Test Championship Final If the Gabba Test Against Australia Is Washed Out – Explained

On Saturday, the first day of the third Test between Australia and India at the Gabba in Brisbane was called off due to bad weather. The race for a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final is intensifying, with four teams – South Africa, India, Australia, and Sri Lanka – all still in contention. Currently, South Africa leads the WTC standings, followed by Australia and India in second and third place, respectively. India and Australia are competing in a five-match series, with the scores tied at 1-1 after two Tests. Meanwhile, South Africa is scheduled to play two home Tests against Pakistan starting on Boxing Day (December 26).

For those unfamiliar, Australia is also set to play two more Tests against Sri Lanka on the road following this series.

On Saturday, the first day of the third Test between Australia and India at the Gabba in Brisbane was called off due to bad weather.

The forecast for the remaining days in Brisbane isn’t promising either, and there is a chance the game could end in a draw. In that case, the series will remain tied, with two matches left to play in Melbourne and Sydney.

Here’s how India can still qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final if the Brisbane Test doesn’t produce a result:

• If India wins both the Melbourne and Sydney Tests, they will qualify for the WTC final without relying on other results.
• If India wins the series 2-1, Sri Lanka must avoid a whitewash against Australia.
• If India draws the series 2-2, Sri Lanka must win their series against Australia.
• If India draws the series 1-1, Sri Lanka must at least draw their series against Australia.

India will be eliminated from the WTC race if they lose the series by any margin.

Meanwhile, at the end of Day 1 in Brisbane, Australia was at 28-0, with Usman Khawaja not out on 19 and Nathan McSweeney on four, after India captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and chose to field. Only 13.2 overs were bowled before the day’s play was suspended, disappointing the large crowd at the Gabba.

To make up for the lost time, play will resume at 5:20 AM IST, 30 minutes earlier than the scheduled time, with up to 98 overs possible on Day 2.