Here's what India, Australia, New Zealand, England need to do for ICC World Test Championship final spot

First Published Nov 26, 2020, 6:46 PM IST

The 2020 cricket calendar has been messed up due to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic. It has also impacted the ICC World Test Championship proceedings, as the revised points system has affected some of the team's chances of making it to the final.

<p>The year 2020 has been a mess for the entire sporting world, including cricket. Not only that numerous tournaments have been affected due to the prevailing COVID19- pandemic, International Cricket Council's (ICC) newest brainchild, the World Test Championship has also been affected.</p>

The year 2020 has been a mess for the entire sporting world, including cricket. Not only that numerous tournaments have been affected due to the prevailing COVID19- pandemic, International Cricket Council's (ICC) newest brainchild, the World Test Championship has also been affected.

<p>After some Test series were cancelled during this period, it prompted ICC to come up with a revised points system for the tournament. As per the latest ruling, the two teams who have earned the highest percentage of points would be playing the final.</p>

After some Test series were cancelled during this period, it prompted ICC to come up with a revised points system for the tournament. As per the latest ruling, the two teams who have earned the highest percentage of points would be playing the final.

<p>Consequently, Australia have risen to the top spot, with a point percentage of 82.22, followed by India at second, with 75%. As for the points, Australia have 296 from three series, while India have 360 from four. Meanwhile, we take a look at how could India, along with Australia, New Zealand and England can seal their spot.</p>

Consequently, Australia have risen to the top spot, with a point percentage of 82.22, followed by India at second, with 75%. As for the points, Australia have 296 from three series, while India have 360 from four. Meanwhile, we take a look at how could India, along with Australia, New Zealand and England can seal their spot.

<p><strong>New Zealand:</strong> Kiwis, who are currently placed fourth, can gain a maximum of 70%. However, in case they drop points in any of the remaining four Tests, even a draw and three wins would push them down with 63.3%.</p>

New Zealand: Kiwis, who are currently placed fourth, can gain a maximum of 70%. However, in case they drop points in any of the remaining four Tests, even a draw and three wins would push them down with 63.3%.

<p><strong>India:</strong> In case they finish 4-4 in their remaining eight Tests, they will be on 66.67%. However, winning it 5-3 would put them above New Zealand's possible maximum score, as India would rise to 70.83%. Furthermore, four wins, along with a couple of draws and loses each would take India's percentage to 69.44, which would be marginally below the Kiwis.</p>

India: In case they finish 4-4 in their remaining eight Tests, they will be on 66.67%. However, winning it 5-3 would put them above New Zealand's possible maximum score, as India would rise to 70.83%. Furthermore, four wins, along with a couple of draws and loses each would take India's percentage to 69.44, which would be marginally below the Kiwis.

<p><strong>Australia: </strong>The table-toppers need a 4-0 win against India to rise to 86.67%. Nonetheless, if they are to lose the following three Tests to South Africa, they drop down to 69.33%. Thus, the Aussies need at least some draws in South Africa.</p>

Australia: The table-toppers need a 4-0 win against India to rise to 86.67%. Nonetheless, if they are to lose the following three Tests to South Africa, they drop down to 69.33%. Thus, the Aussies need at least some draws in South Africa.

<p><strong>England:</strong> The ODI World Champions are at the third spot, with 60.83%. However, their upcoming two series in Asia would be a challenging outing for them. They would aim for a series win in Sri Lanka. Then, provided they even lose 1-2 in India, they would have a percentage of 62.78. Yet, it might not be enough, as England desperately need to win some in India too, which is undoubtedly a tedious task as of now.</p>

England: The ODI World Champions are at the third spot, with 60.83%. However, their upcoming two series in Asia would be a challenging outing for them. They would aim for a series win in Sri Lanka. Then, provided they even lose 1-2 in India, they would have a percentage of 62.78. Yet, it might not be enough, as England desperately need to win some in India too, which is undoubtedly a tedious task as of now.

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