India suffered a crushing defeat to New Zealand in the second Test, causing their WTC points percentage to drop within eight days. They still hold the top spot, but with a slim lead over Australia. To secure their position, India must win five out of their remaining six Tests with an outright win in each game, including a 5-0 sweep against WTC defending champions Australia. If they can secure at least two wins and four draws, their chances will still be in contention, along with other parallel WTC contenders.
The World Test Championship (WTC) is a biennial tournament organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) that pits the top nine Test-playing nations against each other in a multi-match series. The inaugural edition of the WTC began in 2019 and will culminate in a final between the top two teams in June 2023.
India entered the 2021-23 WTC cycle as the defending champions, having won the inaugural edition. However, their recent performance against New Zealand has put their title defense in jeopardy.
In the second Test against New Zealand, India suffered a humiliating defeat by 8 wickets. The loss not only raised questions about India's current form but also significantly impacted their position in the WTC rankings.
Before the match, India held a 75.56% WTC points percentage, well ahead of second-placed Australia. However, the defeat dropped their percentage to 69.77%, just 0.12% ahead of Australia.
To qualify for the WTC final, India must now win five out of their remaining six Tests with an outright victory in each game. This includes a 5-0 sweep against WTC defending champions Australia.
If India can secure at least two wins and four draws in their remaining fixtures, they will keep their chances alive but will need other results to go their way.
Q1: What is the World Test Championship? A1: The World Test Championship is a biennial tournament that pits the top nine Test-playing nations against each other in a multi-match series.
Q2: How did India's defeat to New Zealand affect their WTC position? A2: India's defeat dropped their WTC points percentage to 69.77%, just 0.12% ahead of Australia.
Q3: What is India's path to qualification for the WTC final? A3: India must win five out of their remaining six Tests with an outright victory in each game, including a 5-0 sweep against Australia.
Q4: Can India still qualify for the WTC final if they don't win five out of their remaining Tests? A4: Yes, but their chances will be significantly reduced. They will need to secure at least two wins and four draws, and hope that other results go their way.
Q5: Who is the defending champion of the World Test Championship? A5: India is the defending champion, having won the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2019.
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