The opening day of the third Test match between Australia and India at the Gabba in Brisbane was called off on Saturday due to inclement weather.
If India win the series 3-1, they will qualify for the WTC final without depending on others.
There are presently four teams vying for spots in the World Test Championship (WTC) final: South Africa, India, Australia, and Sri Lanka. South Africa is currently at the top of the WTC standings, with Australia and India in second and third place, respectively. With a 1-1 record after two Test matches, India and Australia are now playing each other in a five-match series. In contrast, South Africa will host two Test matches against Pakistan beginning on Boxing Day (December 26).
For the unversed, Australia are also slated to play two more Tests following this, against Sri Lanka on the road.
The opening day of the third Test match between Australia and India at the Gabba in Brisbane was called off on Saturday due to inclement weather.
But the outlook for the next several days in Brisbane is also unimpressive, and a draw might be the result of the match.
With two games left, in Melbourne and Sydney, respectively, the series will then be equally balanced.
Here’s how India can qualify for WTC if Brisbane Test fails to produce a result:
Without relying on other outcomes, India will advance to the WTC final if they win in Melbourne and Sydney.
In order to avoid a whitewash against Australia, Sri Lanka must defeat India 2-1 in the series.
Sri Lanka must defeat Australia by a wide margin in the series if India draws 2-2.
Sri Lanka must either tie with Australia or defeat them if India draws the series 1-1.
If India loses by any amount in the series, they would be eliminated from the competition.
After India captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and decided to field, Australia ended Day 1 in Brisbane at 28-0 with Nathan McSweeney on four and Usman Khawaja 19 not out.
To the dismay of the large throng that had come into the Gabba, just 13.2 overs were bowled during the opening session, and no more play was allowed.
The action will resume at 5:20 AM IST, thirty minutes ahead of schedule, to make up for the lost time. On Day 2, if at all possible, 98 overs can be bowled.
