Can India reach the WTC 2023-25 final? Here’s how standings look after Australia’s Melbourne Test win

Dec 30, 2024

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Can India reach the WTC 2023-25 final? Here’s how standings look after Australia’s Melbourne Test win

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Jasprit Bumrah

Australia staged a commanding performance to defeat India by 184 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Monday, taking a crucial 2-1 lead in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series. The victory not only brought them closer to retaining the trophy but also dealt a significant blow to India’s chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023- 2025 final.

Australia’s bowling attack stifles India’s chase

Set a daunting target of 340 runs to win, India was bowled out for just 155 runs in 79.1 overs on the final day. The Australians’ relentless pace and control were led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, who dismantled the Indian top order with incisive bowling. For India, Yashasvi Jaiswal top-scored with a gritty 84 off 208 balls, but the lack of contributions from the seasoned trio of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli proved fatal to India’s chances of chasing down the target successfully. Rohit, Rahul and Kohli managed scores of 9, 0, and 5 runs, respectively, leaving India with no hope of mounting a serious challenge.

India’s World Test Championship qualification hopes take a massive hit

India’s defeat has had severe repercussions for their WTC 2025 qualification hopes. Currently placed 3rd on the WTC points table with a PCT (Percentage of Points Earned) of 52.78%, India’s qualification is now highly dependent on external results. To stay in contention, India must win the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground starting January 3, 2025.

Even then, they will need Sri Lanka to defeat Australia either 2-0 or 1-0 in their two-match Test series, which begins on January 29, 2025, in Galle. If these conditions are met, India could finish the WTC cycle with a PCT of 55.26%, surpassing Australia’s potential maximum of 53.51% and Sri Lanka’s 53.85%. However, if India fails to win the Sydney Test or it ends in a draw, their hopes of qualifying for the WTC final will be dashed, with Australia or Sri Lanka taking the remaining spots.

Meanwhile, South Africa have already secured their place in the WTC 2025 final by defeating Pakistan by two wickets in the first Test of their two-match series at SuperSport Park in Centurion on December 29, 2024. This marks South Africa’s first-ever appearance in the WTC final, increasing the pressure on India to perform and avoid missing out for a third consecutive cycle.

Also READ: Fans react as Australia go 2-1 up after dramatic win over India in the Boxing Day Test

India’s form worsens: Flop show from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

India’s batting struggles, particularly their senior players’ inconsistent performances, have plagued their campaign since September when the Test season began. Rohit and Kohli, once pillars of India’s batting lineup, have collectively struggled throughout the series, with Rohit’s form being particularly concerning. His aggregate of just 31 runs at an average of 6.20 in this series has set a new record for the lowest batting average for a touring captain in a Test series in Australia (minimum five innings). Rohit’s dismal showing in Melbourne, with scores of 3 and 9, further intensified the fans’ frustration. His inability to replicate his ‘Hitman’ persona in the series has led to widespread criticism and social media backlash, with calls for his retirement, alongside Kohli, gaining traction.