It’s the fourth day of the Gabba Test and India is in a precarious spot as the two possible scenarios here are unfavorable to the visitors. The fiery pace attack that Australia unleashed on the visitors, leaving them reeling at 51/4 at stumps on Day 3 with follow-on looming, and for a first time in the last 13 years will face this setback if it gets dismissed for less than 246 runs. Adding drama to the ongoing scenario, constant wet conditions have held up Australia’s progress in this crucial third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
This is an important match for India, who are currently fighting hard to stay in the hunt for the World Test Championship final. Having begun the series with a record 295-run win in Perth, India’s loss in Adelaide and South Africa’s dominance over Sri Lanka have nudged them to the third spot in the WTC table.
What Happens If Australia Defeats India In Brisbane Test?
If India loses again for the second successive time, it would all but end their prospects of reaching the third consecutive WTC final. A good comeback with a couple of victories in Melbourne and Sydney would still leave India with no more than 58.8%, but the second-placed Australian side would still be on course to achieve 60.5% by whitewashing Sri Lanka in the remaining home series.
This means that even a 3-2 series win for India alone would not be enough for automatic qualification. India then would depend on Sri Lanka and Pakistan to produce those upsets. Sri Lanka would have to draw or win one game against Australia, while Pakistan has to beat South Africa to open the door for India to qualify. If Sri Lanka can prevent Australia from getting a clean sweep, then India’s chances would be much brighter as Australia would be capped at 57%.
Can A Draw Keep India’s WTC Hopes Alive
Considering rain is expected for the last few days in Brisbane, India may well draw this game and hope to salvage things. However, that still leaves the team with an uphill task. To qualify for the WTC final, India will have to win the Melbourne Test and then go all out in Sydney.
If India loses any of the remaining matches and the series goes to a 2-2 draw, their fate will once again depend on other results. A 2-2 draw would leave India at 55.3%, and Australia would finish at 53.5% if Sri Lanka manages to win their series against the Aussies 1-0. Such a narrow margin might seal the deal for India in WTC final.
Tough Road Ahead For India
India’s WTC points table hangs in the balance as the remaining matches in the series are now of the utmost importance. Whether they can overcome the challenge from Australia or depend on the results from elsewhere will determine their way to the WTC final. The next few days promise to be critical for Indian cricket with weather, form, and pressure all being factors.
