During the World Test Championship period from 2021-23, Australia has established itself as the dominant side, winning 11 out of the 18 Tests they have played. In their latest match, a superb bowling performance by veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who took 11 wickets for the match, helped compensate for the absence of Pat Cummins due to family reasons.
Although batting collapses made for a tense run chase, Travis Head (49*) and Marnus Labuschagne (28*) led Australia to a stirring victory after Usman Khawaja fell for a duck in the second innings. As a result, Australia has accumulated an impressive 68.52 out of their possible World Test Championship points, securing first place in the standings regardless of the outcome of their ongoing series against India.
A huge win for Australia sees them qualify for the #WTC23 Final 👏
— ICC (@ICC) March 3, 2023
Here's what India and Sri Lanka need to secure the other spot ⬇️https://t.co/yJGXo1VuG0
India currently holds onto second place on the standings with 60.29 of their possible WTC points and is in a good position to qualify for the one-off Test at The Oval in June. However, Sri Lanka has a chance to overtake India if results go against Rohit Sharma’s side over the next few weeks.
India needs a victory in the fourth Test against Australia in Ahmedabad to secure their spot in the WTC Final. If they lose or draw, Sri Lanka can snatch the last spot by winning both their Tests away against New Zealand this month. Sri Lanka must complete a 2-0 series sweep over the Kiwis to keep their hopes alive for a place in the WTC Final.
Remaining ICC World Test Championship Fixtures
South Africa v West Indies (Second Test) – Johannesburg, South Africa, 8-12 March
New Zealand v Sri Lanka (First Test) – Christchurch, New Zealand, 9-13 March
India v Australia (Fourth Test) – Ahmedabad, India, 9-13 March
New Zealand v Sri Lanka (Second Test) – Wellington, New Zealand, 17-21 March
