The third Test between India and Australia in Brisbane ended up being a damp squib as rain ruled the roost and fittingly forced the match to finish early as both teams shook hands on Day 5 on Wednesday, December 18. Only 24.1 overs of play was possible on the fifth and final day of the Test match. The match did move swiftly from the second innings to the fourth but it was always going to end in a draw and seeing the incessant rains not relent, the umpires decided to call it off.
Now, the series is squared 1-1 going into the Boxing Day and New Year's Tests at the MCG and SCG, respectively. The draw has made the World Test Championship (WTC) table and scenario interesting given that India now need to win both their remaining games to stay in contention to make it to the third straight final.
The draw meant that India's PCT reduced to 55.88 from 57.29 and winning the remaining two games is the only option remaining for the two-time WTC finalists as 24 points from here will take their PCT to 60.52. The two wins just might be enough for India to go through without depending on anyone.
| Rank | Teams | Matches | Wins | Losses | Draw | Points | PCT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | South Africa | 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 76 | 63.33 |
| 2. | Australia | 15 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 106 | 58.88 |
| 3. | India | 17 | 9 | 6 | 2 | 114 | 55.88 |
| 4. | New Zealand | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 81 | 48.21 |
| 5. | Sri Lanka | 11 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 60 | 45.45 |
| 6. | England | 22 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 69 | 44.23 |
| 7. | Pakistan | 10 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 40 | 33.33 |
| 8. | Bangladesh | 12 | 4 | 8 | 0 | 45 | 31.25 |
| 9. | West Indies | 11 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 32 | 24.24 |
Similarly, Australia's PCT also reduced to 58.88 and with four matches remaining, the reigning champions can't afford more than one loss. Australia will go through to the playoffs if they win three out of their remaining four Tests with their PCT getting to 62.28. However, if they lose two Test matches, Australia's PCT will be restricted to 57 and they might find themselves in trouble, especially if India wins against them.
For now, South Africa and Australia look good to make it to the final unless India have something special in store. Sri Lanka do have a two-match home Test series against Australia left but the Asian side is no longer in contention.
