Additionally, what Australia must accomplish in Asia, what England’s humiliation of New Zealand implies, and why Pakistan is a serious contender
How did England’s 3-0 victory over New Zealand change the standings in the WTC?
Who is still in the running, who has dropped out, and what must each player accomplish in order to compete for the coveted Test mace in the World Test Championship (WTC) final the following year? Here’s the skinny.
How did England’s 3-0 victory over New Zealand change the standings in the WTC?
Even after thrashing New Zealand, England was already so far behind that there was little chance of them making it to the championship game. They would have a points percentage of just around 50 even if they won the final Test against India, thrashed South Africa at home this summer, and defeated Pakistan away this fall.
Even after thrashing New Zealand, England was already so far behind that there was little chance of them making it to the championship game. They would have a points percentage of just around 50 even if they won the final Test against India, thrashed South Africa at home this summer, and defeated Pakistan away this fall.
New Zealand, the defending champion, had already been eliminated before this series and has now fallen even worse. The greatest percentage of points they can earn is 50.
Where does India stand?
India still has seven Tests left to play, including the last one in England, four at home against Australia, and two on the road against Bangladesh. Given that Australia’s percentage would decrease if they were to lose to India, the most points % they can get is 74.53, which ought to be sufficient. There is a lot at stake in Edgbaston because if India lost two of the seven Test matches, their percentage would drop to 63.42 from 68.98.
What should the leaders of Australia and South Africa do?
Australia still has 11 Tests left to play in four series: three against South Africa, two against the West Indies at home, four in India, and two in Sri Lanka. In order to reach a healthy points percentage of 65, they would need to win two tests in Asia, assuming they win, say, four out of their five home matches.
In addition to two Tests at home against the West Indies, South Africa has challenging away trips to England and Australia. For a points percentage of more than 65, they will need to win one of those away series.
Are Sri Lanka and Pakistan still in the running?
Five of Pakistan’s remaining seven Test matches are at home, with three against England and two against New Zealand. The other two are abroad, in Sri Lanka, where they triumphed in 2015. They will end with a points percentage better than 65 if they can win five out of seven games.
Sri Lanka has challenging assignments. They play at home against Pakistan and Australia and away to New Zealand. To move close to the 65 percentage point threshold, they will need to secure four victories and a tie.
