- India lost to Australia by 184 runs in the Boxing Day Test, dropping their WTC percentage to 52.78%.
- Australia’s victory propelled them to 61.46%, securing second place in the standings.
- India must win the final Test in Sydney to have a chance at the WTC final and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
India’s crushing defeat at the MCG has dampened their hopes of a World Test Championship final appearance. Set 340 to win, they faltered dramatically in the final session, collapsing to 155 all out.
Australia, having gained a 2-1 lead in the Border-Gavaskar series, now holds second place in the WTC standings with a PCT of 61.46%. Their win at the MCG also brought them closer to securing their spot in the WTC final.
India’s Hopes Dwindle After Boxing Day Test Loss, Australia Close in on WTC Final
Australia’s victory in the fourth Test at the MCG has significantly strengthened their bid for a spot in the World Test Championship final. With a PCT increase to 61.46%, they now hold second place and are in a strong position to qualify for the final, which would mark their second consecutive appearance. Australia’s bowling attack was key to their success, with Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins leading the charge.
India’s batting collapse in the final session of the Boxing Day Test, which saw them lose seven wickets for just 34 runs, has left them struggling to maintain their position in the WTC standings. Their PCT dropped to 52.78%, placing them in a precarious third place. Despite the efforts of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jasprit Bumrah, India couldn’t hold on as Australia’s bowlers took control.
With the final Test of the series set to begin in Sydney on January 3, India must win to tie the series and keep their hopes alive for the WTC final. They will also need Australia to falter during their upcoming series in Sri Lanka, giving India a slim chance to qualify. If India loses, Australia can win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by avoiding defeat in Sydney.
Australia’s win at the MCG was marked by a thrilling finish, with the crowd of over 74,000 witnessing a dramatic collapse. Despite India’s earlier resistance, led by a strong 84 from Jaiswal, Australia capitalized on their momentum, with Cummins taking crucial wickets. This thrilling Test set the stage for an exciting final showdown in Sydney.
India’s loss at the MCG has put their WTC hopes in jeopardy, and their qualification now hinges on a win in Sydney, coupled with favorable results from Australia’s next series.
Mitchell Starc’s reflection on the win: “I think that’s just a feature of the group at the moment, is that calmness, to have that belief that we can get the job done.”
