Xtra Time Web Desk: With India winning the Pink Ball Test against England in Ahmedabad, the later is out of the race for a berth in the final of the ICC World Test Championship at Lords. Although India are now top of the points table with 71 percentage points, but that does not guarantee them a place in the final against New Zealand. The BlackCaps are in the second spot with 70 percentage points followed by Australia with 69.2 points.
For Virat Kohli and his boys to guarantee a place in the WTC final, they cannot afford to lose the fourth and final test by any cost which will see third placed Australia reaching the final. The Indian team need just a win or a draw to seal a place in the ICC World Test Championship final.
Kohli and Co. have played six series in the WTC 2019-21 cycle in which they have won 11 Tests, lost 4 tests and drawn one. India have accumulated 490 points so far after the win in Pink Ball Test. Whereas, New Zealand, who have a total of 420 points, have participated in five series under WTC – won seven matches and lost four. If England win the fourth and final Test against India at Motera, Australia will automatically qualify for the World Test Championship final against New Zealand.
Australia occupy the third position in the ICC World Test Championship points table with 332 points and 69.2 percentage. They had played four series – won eight matches and lost four. Australia have also played a couple of draws. Meanwhile, England are out of race for final in the World Test Championship. With a percentage of 64.1 and 442 points – England have won 11 matches, lost six and played three draws in the WTC cycle.
Kohli and his boys registered a thumping 10 wickets win in the Pink Ball Test against England to lead the four match series 2-1. The fourth and final test of the series will be played at the same venue starting from March 04.