Australia booked a place in this year’s ICC World Test Championship Final with a convincing nine-wicket triumph over India in the third Test. Australia had been the dominant side during the World Test Championship period (2021-23), having won 11 of the 18 Tests they featured in. The latest victory was on the back of a superb bowling performance from veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who collected 11 wickets for the match. Travis Head (49*) and Marnus Labuschagne (28*) steered Australia to the stirring win after some nervy moments.

Australia amassed an impressive 68.52 of their possible WTC points, ensuring they finished the current period in first place on the World Test Championship standings, regardless of the result in the final Test of their ongoing series against India. 

India has secured its place in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC), where they will face Australia for the top honour in the format. This became official after New Zealand’s nail-biting win over Sri Lanka in the first Test in Christchurch. Sri Lanka’s victory in the next Test is now irrelevant to India’s qualification, as they will finish with fewer points than India, regardless of the result in Ahmedabad.

Before the Christchurch Test, both games had an equal impact on the WTC final race. However, New Zealand’s remarkable triumph, thanks to Kane Williamson’s unbeaten 121 and Daryl Mitchell’s quick 81 off 86 balls, eliminated Sri Lanka from contention for the WTC final. Even if Sri Lanka wins the second Test, its points will only reach 52.78, which is lower than India’s 56.94, even if India loses in Ahmedabad.

A draw seems the most likely outcome in Ahmedabad, which would give India a final score of 58.80. Australia has already qualified with a percentage of 64.91, even if it loses in Ahmedabad. The WTC final showdown will take place at The Oval in London on June 7.