New Zealand secured a sensational 3-0 series whitewash against India to create history last week. Apart from winning their first-ever test series win on Indian soil, the Black Caps became the first side to clean sweep the Indian side in a three-match series.
The first fixture in Bengaluru saw India getting bundled out for 46 in the first innings, which is now their lowest test score in a home test. Then, India couldn’t be potent enough against spinners in the remaining two games in Pune and Mumbai.
Playing predominantly on spin conducive surfaces at home for years, the Indian side were completely dominated by the Kiwi side on all fronts. The Rohit Sharma-led side were holding points percentage of over 70 and were at the top of World Test Championship (WTC) standings with eight wins in 11 games.
However, India have descended to the second position and now possess points percentage of 58.33. Interestingly, Australia are at the top despite less points, due to the better points percentage of 62.50. The Sri Lanka side are third in the table with a points percentage of 55.56.
India now have only five games remaining in the WTC, with all against Australia in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Meanwhile, Australia will travel to Sri Lanka for a two-match test series, which will be their final two fixtures in this WTC cycle.
To finish among the top two teams, they have to win the series 4-0 to push their points percentage to 65.79. It will then be more than New Zealand’s maximum (64.29%), even if they secure a 3-0 series victory against England at home.
South Africa also stand a chance to qualify for WTC final, if they manage to clinch wins in all their remaining fixtures (2 against Sri Lanka and 2 against Pakistan). If they are able to do that, the Proteas will have points percentage of 69.44%.
However, if South Africa draws their both series 1-1, then they will have points percentage of 52.78%. Moreover, if the series between New Zealand and England ends at 1-1, the Black Caps will have points percentage of 52.38%. Then, Australia need to play out a 0-0 draw against Sri Lanka.
If the Indian team manages to eke out a 4-0 test series victory against Australia, and the above three scenarios go as per plan, India will qualify for the WTC final.
India to train at WACA for the first test against Australia
The first test fixture between India and Australia is set to take place from November 22 in Optus Stadium, Perth. Ahead of the start of the series, India were due to play a practice match against India A at WACA, which is situated near Optus Stadium.
However, instead of playing a game, India have opted to train during those three days, which will involve net sessions and centre wicket training. As per skipper Rohit Sharma, the training will be more valuable in getting players prepared rather than playing a practice match.
“I think we’ll be training at WACA, which is as close to Optus where you have that bounce and carry. So hopefully we can use those three days perfectly and maximise how much ever we can from our point of view,” Rohit said in a post-match press conference.
