As the cricketing world turns its gaze towards World Test Championship (WTC) final scheduled for June 2025 at Lord’s, the recent Boxing Day Test has significantly changed the qualifying landscape. Australiaa convincing 184-run win over India not only did they give them a 2-1 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 but also increased their chances of reaching the WTC finals for the second time in a row. With both teams now fighting for a place, the question is: What happens if India and Australia finish with identical points?
Crucial last Test for India
India’s hopes of retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy hinge on their performance in the upcoming Test in Sydney, scheduled for January 3-7, 2025. India currently have 114 points in the WTC standings and need a win to take their total to 126 points out of a possible 228. This would result in a points percentage (PCT) of 55.26%, crucial to their qualification hopes. A draw or loss, however, would eliminate them from contention entirely.
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Australia’s way to victory
On the other hand, Australia currently have 118 points and can secure a maximum of 154 points if they win all their remaining matches. Even if they lose to India in Sydney, their fate will still depend on their upcoming series against Sri Lanka. If Australia lose to India and Sri Lanka win 2-0 or 1-0, India could leapfrog Australia in the rankings.
Scenario of identical points
A scenario where both teams finish with identical points — 126 each — is plausible. This would happen if India win in Sydney while Sri Lanka draw against Australia. In this case, both teams would end up with a PCT of 55.26%. WTC rules dictate that if teams are tied on points, the team with the most runs wins. Both teams would have three wins in the series, which would require further tied games.
The deciding factor in a tied game
In case of tied points and series wins, the next deciding factor is the percentage of points won in away games. India’s away record includes two Tests in the West Indies (1 win, 1 draw), two in South Africa (1 win, 1 loss) and five in Australia (2 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw), giving them a total of 56 out of a possible 108 points (51.85% win percentage). In contrast, Australia’s tour includes five Tests in the England (2 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw), two matches in New Zealand (2 wins), and two Tests in Sri Lanka (2 draws), giving them a total of 60 out of 108 points (55.56% win percentage).
With the stakes so high, cricket fans eagerly await the conclusion of this thrilling series and the next matches involving Sri Lanka and Australia, it is clear that each match will have monumental significance for both India and Australia.
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