Australia storm into the WTC final as India made to wait

Australia registered a comfortable 9 wicket win over India in the third test which helped them to book a spot at this year’s World Test Championship Final, but just who faces them in the summit clash is yet to be decided. 

The Aussies have looked threatening during this World Test Championship period (2021-23) and have arguably been the most dominant sides, with Pat Cummins’ side havin won 11 of the 18 Tests they have competed in. 

Their latest victory came on the back of superb bowling efforts from wily off spinner Nathan Lyon (11 wickets) and Matthew Kuhnemman (6) , who paired up to take 17 wickets together. 

Needing 75 runs for a famous win, the visitors got off to the worst possible start. Usman Khawaja was sent packing without troubling the scorers in the morning session of Day 3. Australia have suffered batting collapses in this series but this time around they were adamant to induce a favourable outcome. Travis Head (49*) and Marun Labuschagne put on an unbeaten 78 run stand to steer their side to an epic win. 

This victory has helped Australia amass a magnificent 68.52 of their possible WTC points and that implies they will finish the ongoing period in first place on the World Test Standings regardless of the final test result against India. 

A win in the fourth and final test against Australia in Ahmedabad will ensure India’s place in the WTC Final, but another victory for the visitors or even a draw will leave the door a little win for Sri Lanka to get past Rohit & co and confirm the last spot. 

Sri Lanka are scheduled to play two tests away from home against New Zealand this month and know they have to complete a 2-0 clean sweep over to have even the slightest of chances of finding a place in the WTC final.