Australia solidified their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final with a resounding six-wicket victory over India in Sydney, clinching the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 with a 3-1 series win. This marked Australia’s first Test series triumph over India since the 2014-15 season. With a points percentage of 63.73, Australia stands well ahead in the WTC standings, set to face South Africa at Lord’s in June.

How Australia can still lose their WTC Final spot

Australia’s next Test project is their tour of Sri Lanka and despite their strong position, Australia’s spot in the WTC final is not entirely secure. The only way they could lose their berth involves penalty points for slow over rates. A deduction of eight points across the two remaining matches would drop Australia’s points percentage below Sri Lanka’s maximum potential of 53.85, provided the Islanders wins their series 2-0. While such a scenario is rare, past over-rate penalties, such as t?he 10-point deduction Australia faced in ??the 2023 Ashes, show it is not impossible.

Also READ: Here’s the updated WTC 2023-25 points table after India loses the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia

How Sri Lanka can overtake Australia to secure a WTC final berth

For Sri Lanka to qualify, they must sweep their upcoming series against Australia 2-0 and rely on Australia incurring significant penalty points for slow over rates. Even under this best-case scenario for Sri Lanka, their points percentage would rise to 53.85—enough to surpass Australia only if the latter’s percentage drops below that threshold due to penalties.

Fans awaiting Australia’s upcoming tour of Sri Lanka

Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka w??ill be crucial in determining the final WTC standings. The spin-friendly conditions in Sri Lanka will test Australia’s adaptability, potentially impacting their over rates. Fans are eagerly anticipating this series, knowing ??it holds the key to Sri Lanka’s slim chances of making it to the WTC final. While Australia remains the favorite to secure their spot, cricket enthusiasts worldwide will be closely monitoring every development.

Also READ: Here’s how Australia have ??performed against each cricketing nation in their rece??nt Test encounters

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South Africa are gearing up to host Sri Lanka for a crucial two-match Test series, with the first game set to begin on November 27 at Ki??ngsmead, Durban. The series will conclude with the second Test at St George’s Park, Gqeberha, sch?eduled from December 5 to 9.

This series holds immense importance as both teams aim to bolster their chances of securing a spot in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.

South Africa eyeing a strong start at home

The Proteas come into the series riding high on confidence after a comprehensive 2-0 series win against Bangladesh on foreign soil. Back in familiar conditions, South Africa will aim to cap??italize on their home advantage and climb up the WTC standings.

Led by a solid bowling attack and experienced batters, South Africa’s focus will? be on maintaining their winning momentum while keeping their sights firmly set on the coveted WTC final.

Sri Lanka riding high on recent success

Sri Lanka, currently third in the WTC table, enters the series on the back of an impressive 2-0 home series victory against New Zealand. Their recent success has injected a fresh wave of confidence, and the team will be eager to carry ??that form into South ?African conditions.

The Sri Lankan side, known for the?ir resilience and adaptability, will aim to challenge the hosts and strengthen their claim for a spot in the WTC final.

Also READ: SA vs S?L 2024: South Africa’s best XI for the Test series against Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka tour of South Africa 2024: Test Series

• First Test: November 27-December 01, Kingsmead, Durban â€?07:30 am GMT / 09:30 am local/ 01:00 pm IST
• Second Test: December 05-09, St George’s Park, Gqeberha â€?08:30 am GMT / 10:30 am local/ 02:00 pm IST

Squads:

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi,? Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Rya??n Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne

Sri Lanka: Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Din??esh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews,?? Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Oshada Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Prabath Jayasuriya, Nishan Peiris, Lasith Embuldeniya, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha

Broadcast and Streaming details:

• South Africa: SuperSport Grandstand
• India: Sports 18 and JioCinema
• Sri Lanka: ThePapare.com
• USA and Canada: Sling TV – Willow TV [Sign up here]
• United Kingdom: Sky Sports Cricket

Also READ: South Africa vs England, Women’s T20I series: Broadcas?t, Live Streaming details �When and where to watch in Indi??a, South Africa, UK & other countries

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South Africa made a strong statement at the start of their Bangladesh tour, claiming a comprehensive 7-wicket win in the first Test in Dhaka. The Proteas finished the match within four days, displaying dominance over the hosts. This significant result has not only boosted South Africa’s chances in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings but also tightened the competition, making India’s path to the WTC final more challenging.

Changes in WTC standings after South Africa’s win

The win has helped South Africa move up to fourth in the WT??C points table, intensifying the race for a top-two finish. India, currently leading with a PCT (points percentage) of 68.06%, now face greater pressure to secure their spot in t??he final. The competition has grown tougher, and the margin for error has decreased, with South Africa back in the race for a spot at the summit clash.

India’s narrow path and the urgency to win

India still holds the top spot but nee??ds to secure at least fo??ur wins and one draw from their seven remaining matches to ensure a place in the WTC final without relying on other results. This would elevate their PCT to 65.79%, which would likely guarantee a final berth. However, if they only manage four wins without any draws, their PCT will drop to 64.04%, opening the door for other teams like South Africa, Australia, and Sri Lanka to leapfrog them.

Also READ: Twitter reactions: Kagiso Rabada, Kyle Verreynne power South Africa to a dominant win over Bangladesh on?? Day 4 of the 1st Test

South Africa’s comeback and Australia’s challenges

??South Africa’s goal was to w??in five out of their six remaining Tests, and their victory against Bangladesh was an essential first step. If they can continue this winning streak and clinch five more victories, they will likely secure a top-two spot. Even if they fall short and win four out of five, their chances remain alive, although they will depend on the outcomes of matches involving India, Australia, and Sri Lanka.

Australia, sitting second with a PCT of 62.50%, also have their work cut out. They need to aim for at lea??st four wins and a draw from their remaining matches to maintain their position in the race. Any slip-ups could see them drop below India and possibly fall behind South Africa, depending on upcoming results.

Sri Lanka: A possible dark horse

Sri Lanka, currently in third place with a PCT of?? 55.56%, are still in the hunt for a spot in the WTC final??. To stand a realistic chance, they must string together a series of victories that could boost their PCT to over 67%. However, for Sri Lanka to achieve this, they would need to win against teams like Australia and South Africa, which could indirectly favor India by lowering their rivals�points tallies.

Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin overtakes Nathan L?yon to achieve a significant milestone in World Test Championship

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Sri Lanka achieved a landmark victory against England at The Kennington Oval, successfully chasing down 219 runs and securing their first Test win over England in a decade. Despite losing the series 1-2, this win has significantly impacted the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 standings. Pathum Nissanka’s outstanding century was instrumental in their triumph, highlighting his importance in Sri Lanka’s Test setup. With this victory, Sri Lanka have risen to the fifth spot in the ??WTC standings, boasting a Percentage of Points (PCT) of 42.85.

Path to the WTC final for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s position: With their recent win, Sri Lanka have climbed to fifth in the WTC standings. They have won three out of seven Test matches in the 2023-25 WTC cycle, yielding a win percentage of 42.86. This puts them slightly ahead of England, who have won eight out of 16 Test matches, with a win percentage of 42.19. South Africa, in sev??enth place, has a win percentage of 38.89.

Remaining Fixtures: To en??hance their cha??nces of reaching the WTC final, Sri Lanka will face crucial challenges:

1. Against New Zealand: Sri Lanka will host New Zealand for two important Tests later this month. Securing victories in these matches is crucial for improving their PCT and climbing the WTC table.
2. Against South Africa: Sri Lanka will also play an away series against South Africa, which will test their strength and consistency. Success in this series is vital for their chances of a top-four finish.

Key factors for success:

• Consistency: Maintaining strong performance across all matches is essential. Sri Lanka must deliver solid performances in both batting and bowling departments.
• Key Players: Players like Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis who has been in exceptional form, need to continue their impactful performances. Their ability to adapt and perform under pressure will be crucial for Sri Lanka’s success.

Also READ: ICC reveals the date and venue for the 2025 World?? Test Champio??nship Final

England’s position and challenges

England’s recent defeat has adversely affected their standing, dropping them to sixth place with a PCT of 42.18. They face a demanding schedule with six Test matches remaining �three against Pakistan and three against New Zealand, all away from home. To stay in contention for?? the WTC final, England must secure victories in these matche??s and improve their PCT.

With India and Australia dom??inat?ing the top positions, the race for third to sixth place is intense. Sri Lanka’s recent win has strengthened their position and provided hope for a top-four finish. However, they must perform well in their upcoming series. England, meanwhile, faces a critical period ahead, needing to win their remaining matches to recover their standing and remain in the race for the WTC final.

Current ICC World Test Championship standings: Key changes and Team positions

India have surged to the top of the table with 74 points and a PCT of 68.52%, showing strong performance in their recent matches. Australia holds the second position with 90 points and a PCT of 62.50%, reflecting their solid form. New Zealand, with 36 points and a PCT of 50.00%, has dropped slightly but remains competitive. Bangladesh are in fourth place with 33 points and a PCT of 45.83%, having shown mixed results. South Africa and Pakistan are in the lower half, with South Africa accumulating 28 points and a PCT of 38.89%, and Pakistan lagging with 16 points and a PCT of 19.05%. The West Indies are currently at?? the bottom of the table with just 20 points and a PCT of 18.52%

Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin challenges England’s monopoly over hosting the WTC ??final

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Pakistan Test cricket captain Shan Masood has outlined a clear strategy for his team to secure a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. After a promising start to the 2023-25 cycle with a series win over Sri Lanka, followed by a challenging tour of Australia, the Men in Green are deter?mined to bounce b?ack and reclaim their position in the top two.

Home advantage as a key factor

Masood has identified home advantage as a crucial factor in Pakistan’s campaign. With seven out of nine remaining Test matches scheduled on home soil, the captain is confident about his team’s chances. He emphasized the importance of capitalizing on familiar conditions and delivering consistent performances across all departments.

Crucial series against Bangladesh

Notably, the upcoming series against Bangladesh is seen as a pivotal point in Pakistan’s journey. A strong showing against the Tigers will be crucial in maintaining their momentum and boosting their WTC points tally. Masood stressed the need for a proactive and positive approach, urging his players to seize opportunities and play with intent.

“If we need to compete in World Test Championship, we need to secure victories, which requires showing intent and positivity in every aspect of the game, whether it’s batting, bowling, or fielding. Our focus will be on achieving the best results for Pakistan. We need to win a significant number of the nine upcoming Test matches,” said Masood while speaking to medi?a on Sunday in Rawalpindi?.

Also READ: Bangladesh to ?arrive early in Pakistan for the Test series amidst domestic turmoil

Importance of mental and physical preparation

While acknowledging the challenges posed by Test cricket, Masood expressed optimism about Pakistan’s ability to overcome hurdles and achieve their goal. He highlighted the importance of mental and physical preparation, emphasizing the need for the team to remain focused and resilient throughout the campaign.

“The positive thing is that we are playing at home and our players will be familiar with the conditions. We need to take advantage of it, but the key will be to handle mental and physical pressure,” Masood added.

Also READ: PCB announces? elite pan?el of match officials for the home Test series against Bangladesh

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The World Test Championship (WTC) final stands as a pinnacle event in the cricketing world, drawing anticipation and excitement from fans worldwide. It symbolizes the ultimate showdown between the top two teams in the championship, encapsulating the essence of Test cricket at its finest. However, a recurring question among cricket enthusiasts revolves around the consistent hosting of the WTC final in England only.

England’s reign as hosts of the WTC Final

The inaugural edition being held in Southampton in 2021 and the subsequent final between India and Australia took place at the Oval in London in 2023. Despite hosting it two times already, the upcoming summit clash in 2025 is also set to be held at the iconic Lord’s cricket ground in England, marking the third consecutive time England will host the decider of this red-ball format tournament.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s perspective

The consistent choice of England as the venue for the WTC final has raised eyebrows, prompting discussions within the cricketing community. Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran off-spi??nner from India, recently jo??ined the exclusive 500-Test Wickets club and voiced his opinion on this matter.

Ashwin advocated for giving hosting rights to countries like India and Australia, which are prominent members of the ‘Big 3’ club in world cricket. He emphasized that India’s Narendra Modi Stadium could be the perfect venue for the summit clash, showcasing the grandeur of Test cricket in the country.

“The last two WTC finals happened in England. Should we change the venue? Why not Australia or India? We have the massive Narendra Modi Stadium waiting to host another great final. What do you think about that? Another person suggested playing on the home ground of the table toppers. That is also a decent thought. But the Australian weather in June is a little dull, so we don’t know about that,” Ashwin said.

Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin reveals how Rohit Sharma helped him deal w?ith fa?mily medical emergency during the 3rd Test

Ashwin’s confidence in Team India

Furthermore, Ashwin expressed confidence in India’s potential to qualify for the WTC final for the third time in a row and speculated that the final could once again feature Australia as the opponent.

“We still have two home series and an away series. Same with the Aussies. Looking at all of this, I feel yet another WTC showdown awaits us. Of course, we are at a transition, so our fingers are crossed,” the 37-year-old concluded.

WTC 2023-25 points chart

Presently, India leads the WTC 2023-25 points chart with a Points Percentage System (PCT) of 68.21, while Australia closely follows in second place with a PCT of 62.5%. Ashwin’s remarks shed light on the desire among players and fans alike to see the WTC final hosted in diverse cricketing nations, adding to the global appeal of Test cricket’s premier event.

Also READ: Team ?India’s Shubman Gill joins global singing star Ed Sheeran for a game of cricket

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It has been two weeks since Ravichandran Ashwin experienced the devastating exclusion from the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at The Oval. Despite his status as India’s leading wicket-taker in the second WTC cycle and the ICC’s top-ranked Test bowler, Ashwin was excluded from the team in favour of an additional seamer.

Despite his impressive credentials, including being India’s leading wicket-taker in the WTC cycle and top-ranked bowler in ICC Test rankings, Ashwin was surprisingly overlooked. The decision to sideline him and opt for an extra pacer has faced significant backlash for its impact on India’s performance in the final match.

Shortly after India’s second consecutive loss in the WTC final, Ashwin took to Twitter, sharing an explosive post that he later clarified was his way of seeking ‘closure’ regarding the situation. The emotional outburst from the talented cricketer highlighted the disappointment and frustration he felt due to his omission from such a crucial match.

Ashwin’s contributions throughout the WTC cycles have been exceptional. Of his career total of 474 wickets, an impressive 132 were taken during his participation in the two WTC cycles, making him the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament’s history. In the 2021/23 cycle alone, Ashwin claimed 61 wickets, the highest by an Indian player and the third-highest overall.

Furthermore, Ashwin’s batting prowess, evident from his five Test centuries, adds to his value as a versatile player. But he was still ignored by captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid and the decision has raised ey?ebrows within the cricketin?g community.

The experienced cricketer has recently shared details about the emotional hardships he and his family have endured throughout the years. He disclosed that his father is a heart patient, and the stress caused by such incidents as his omission from crucial matches takes a toll on his father’s health.

“The moment, the final finished I put out a tweet because I realised one thing is that I need closure. The moment I get the closure I can move on. There is no time to hang around. I have understood life a lot better now,” said Ashwin while talking to the Indian Express.

“The more I see it, the kind of trauma toll it takes on my family is incredible. My father has a heart problem and other issues. Every single game, every single day, something happens, he will call me. He is stressed. It’s very easy for me to go out and play because it is still in my control. For my father, it is not and he goes through double of what I do. So looking at this in hindsight, everybody on the outside is irrelevant,” Ashwin added.

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In a surprising move that left cricket experts and fans bewildered, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma‘s decision to exclude off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin from the playing XI in the World Test C??hampionship (WTC) final against Australi??a sparked a wave of criticism and debate. Despite Ashwin’s recent success against Australia, the Indian team management opted for an all-pace attack with Ravindra Jadeja as the sole spinner.

The controversial decision proved costly for India, as they ultimately lost the crucial match to Australia. Ashwin’s absence became a focal point of discussion, with even legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar questioning the skipper’s choice.

In light of the uproar surrounding his exclusion, Ashwin has now shared his thoughts on not getting an opportunity to play in the summit clash against the Aussies. The world’s top-ranked Test bowler expressed his eagerness to participate in the high-stakes match and contribute to the team’s success.

However, Ashwin admitted that he had apprehensions about not being included in the final XI. The Chennai-born cricketer also spoke about his improvement?? when it comes to bowling in overseas conditions.

“I would have loved to play because I have played a part in us getting there. Even in the last final I got four wickets and bowled really well. Ever since 2018-19, my bowling overseas has been fantastic and I have managed to win games for the team. I am looking at it as a captain or coach and I’m just talking in hindsight, in their defence. So, the last time when we were in England, it was 2-2 with a drawn Test and they would have felt 4 pacers and 1 spinner is the combination in England. That is what they might have thought going into the final,” said Ashwin in an i?n??terview to The Indian Express.

“I knew I was going to be left out 48 hours before. So, for me, my entire goal was to make sure I can contribute to the guys and help us win a title because I played a part in it,” he added.

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Former Australia bowler Glenn McGrath has shared his opinion on the controversial catch taken by Cameron Green off Shubman Gill during the Day 4 of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final.

Chasing the mammoth target of 444 in the second innings at the Oval, the Indian captain Rohit Sharma and his partner Gill provided a solid foundation to the t??eam in the run chase. They both put?? together 41 in just seven overs.

However, in the first delivery of the 8th over bowled by Scott Boland, Gill was undone by the extra bounce on the Oval pitch as the ball hit?? the shoulder of his bat when he was lunging forward. The ball then flew to the slip cordon, where Green dived to his left and took a one-handed catch.

The dismissal was referred to the third umpire, Richard Kettleborough, who took his time to review the catch from various angles before ultimately giving the decision in favor of ?Green.

The decision sparked a debate on social media, with man??y expressing the view that the catch was not clean and that the ball had touched? the grass. Several former cricketers also shared their opinions on the catch.

McGrath during an interaction with PTI commented on the catch, stating that he believed most of those catche?s are out, and he was happy with the decision. He added that if India had taken the catch, he would have been happy as well. McGrath clarified that he was not ?speaking from an Australian perspective, indicating that his opinion was based on the merit of the catch itself.

“I think most of those catches are out. We find ways to give it not out which I like to go the other way. So, I was happy with it. And if it was India taking that catch, I would have been happy too. I’m not just saying from an Australian perspective but that’s the way it goes.” McGrath said as quoted by PTI.

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