Can India make it to the WTC 2023-25 final? This is how the standings look after Australia’s win in the Melbourne Test
Australia put in 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 matches. Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series The win not only brought them closer to retaining the trophy but also dealt a major blow to India’s chances of qualifying for the World Trials Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 end
Australia’s bowling attack stifles India’s chase
Set a daunting target of 340 runs to win, India were 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 i Mitchell Starcwho dismantled the Indian top order with incisive bowling. For India, Yashasvi Jaiswal top scored with a tough 84 off 208 balls, but the lack of contributions from the experienced trio of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul i Virat Kohli proved fatal to India’s chances of successfully pursuing the target. Rohit, Rahul and Kohli managed scores of 9, 0 and 5 respectively, leaving India with no hope of mounting a serious challenge.
India’s World Trials Championship Qualifier is expected to be a huge success
India’s defeat has had serious repercussions on their hopes of qualifying for the WTC 2025. Currently placed third in the WTC points table with a PCT (percentage of points earned) of 52.78%, the qualification of India is now highly dependent on external outcomes. To stay in contention, India must win the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3, 2025.
Even so, they will need them Sri Lanka to defeat Australia 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 end the WTC cycle with a PCT of 55.26%, surpassing Australia’s maximum potential of 53.51% and Sri Lanka’s 53.85%. However, if India fail to win the Sydney Test or end in a draw, their hopes of qualifying for the WTC finals will be dashed, with either 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 the SuperSport Park in Centurion on 29 December 2024. This marks South Africa’s first appearance in the WTC finals, increasing the pressure on India to perform and don’t miss a game. third consecutive cycle.
READ also: Fans react as Australia go 2-1 up after dramatic win over India in Christmas Day Test
India’s form worsens: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s flop show
India’s batting struggles, particularly inconsistent performances from their senior players, have plagued their campaign since September when the Test season began. Rohit and Kohli, once mainstays of India’s batting line-up, have collectively struggled throughout the series, with Rohit’s form of particular concern. His total 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 display in Melbourne, with scores of 3 and 9, further intensified the fans’ frustration. His inability to replicate his “Hitman” character in the series has led to widespread criticism and backlash on social mediawith calls for his retirement, alongside Kohli, gaining traction.
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