With South Africa's thrilling two-wicket win over Pakistan in Centurion, the scenarios to qualify for the WTC Final have changed again. South Africa have become the first team to make it to the summit clash at the Lord's next year in June. India, Australia and Sri Lanka are fighting for the second spot and a lot will depend on the result of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. Chasing 340 runs on the final day, India started decently but collapsed from 121/3 in the final session to be skittled for just 155 runs.
Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal played out a wicketless session after lunch but the former threw his wicket away only to open the door for Australia and that was enough to turn the game on its head. But what happens now that team India have lost the Melbourne Test? Are they get knocked out of the WTC Final race?
The answer is a big NO. But yes, the fate of the WTC Final qualification is not in their hands anymore. India, at best, will only be able to level the series 2-2 by winning in Sydney. To stay alive, they must win the New Year Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Even a draw will knock them out of the World Test Championship.
What will happen if India lose in Melbourne and win in Sydney?
If India manage to level the series against Australia in Sydney, they remain alive in the race for the WTC Final, only by just though. If the BGT ends in 2-2, India's PCT will be 55.26. This will leave them pinning their hopes on Sri Lanka winning the two-match series against Australia by at least a 1-0 margin.
This makes it clear that all is not lost for India after going down fighting in Melbourne. There will still be hope left for them but they will have to dictate terms at any cost in Sydney.
