After a crushing 113-run defeat at the hands of New Zealand in the second Test in Pune, India's chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final have taken a major hit. It was the first time India had been beaten at home by New Zealand in a Test series, and this loss also resulted in a drop in India's WTC points percentage to 62.82, giving them a narrow lead over Australia. With other teams like New Zealand and Pakistan achieving big wins in their respective Tests, the race for the top spot in the WTC is intensifying.
India's Hopes of World Test Championship Final Hit by New Zealand Defeat
India's aspirations of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final have suffered a significant setback following their heavy defeat to New Zealand in the second Test in Pune. It marked India's first home Test series loss to New Zealand and resulted in a dip in their WTC points percentage to 62.82.
Prior to the series, India boasted a dominant position in the WTC standings with a points percentage of 75.00. However, their disappointing performance against the Kiwis has opened the door for other teams to challenge their supremacy.
New Zealand's comprehensive victory has propelled them into contention for the WTC final, while Pakistan and Australia have also recorded notable wins in their recent Test matches. This has intensified the competition for the top spot in the standings, with several teams still in the running for a place in the title decider.
Background of the World Test Championship
The World Test Championship was launched in 2019 as a way to elevate the status and importance of Test cricket. It is a two-year cycle in which the top nine Test-playing nations compete in a league format. Teams earn points based on their performance in Test matches, with the top two teams qualifying for the final.
The inaugural WTC cycle was won by New Zealand, who defeated India in the final at Southampton in 2021. The current cycle began in 2021 and will conclude with the final in June 2023.
Top 5 FAQs Related to the World Test Championship
1. What are the qualifying criteria for the World Test Championship final? The top two teams in the WTC standings based on points percentage will qualify for the final.
2. When and where will the World Test Championship final be held? The final will be played from June 7-11, 2023, at The Oval in London, England.
3. Which teams are currently in contention for a place in the final? India, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa are among the teams currently in the top half of the WTC standings.
4. What is the format of the World Test Championship final? The final will be a single match, played over a maximum of six days.
5. Who won the last World Test Championship final? New Zealand defeated India in the 2021 WTC final.
Despite setting the pace in Q2 and being on track for a dream pole position, Lewis Hamilton ended up fifth on the grid for the British Grand Prix. Max Verstappen, who had struggled in practice, surprisingly took pole position for Sunday's race. Despite outqualifying his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, Hamilton's "scruffy" final lap resulted in him trailing the McLarens and an overachieving Mercedes of George Russell. Sky Sports pundit Martin Brundle noted that Hamilton's efforts to chase an "impossible" sector time resulted in a dip on the grass and a less than perfect lap, while Verstappen's precision earned him the top spot.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen defied the odds and took pole position in a windy and unpredictable qualifying session at the British Grand Prix. Despite struggling with an aggressive low-downforce setup, Verstappen showed incredible commitment and skill to secure his fourth pole of the year, beating out the two McLarens. The Dutch driver revealed that the tricky conditions actually played into his hands, as the car balance shifted from understeer to oversteer, allowing him to excel at high speeds.
Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli took to social media to laud Shubman Gill's magnificent record-breaking 161 runs in India's second innings of the second test against England at Edgbaston. Kohli expressed his admiration for the young batsman, who notched up his second century of the match and helped India to a commanding declaration of 427/6. Gill's partnership with Rishabh Pant also played a crucial role in India's strong performance.
India's second Test match against England at Edgbaston had a dramatic turnaround as Team India managed to put up an impressive 587 runs on the scoreboard after being in trouble at 211 for 5. Led by Captain Shubman Gill's record-breaking double century, with support from all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja's 89, the duo pulled India out of a possible batting collapse situation. While Gill made headlines for becoming the first Indian Test captain to score 200 in England and SENA countries, Jadeja's crucial partnership with him earned praises from cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar.
Arsenal have set their sights on signing promising Chelsea player Noni Madueke in order to add more offensive depth to their squad. While the Gunners have other options in mind for the left-wing position, they are still considering making an approach for Madueke. The 23-year-old winger has reportedly agreed to personal terms with Arsenal, but the club will have to weigh their options and negotiate with Chelsea for a potential deal. With competition and financial constraints, it remains to be seen if Arsenal will be able to secure a move for the talented Madueke.
The young Indian batsman, Shubman Gill, achieved a remarkable feat by surpassing the legendary Sunil Gavaskar to become the highest-scorer for India in a Test match against England. Gill's unbeaten 100 runs and partnership with Rishabh Pant propelled India's lead to a whopping 484 runs in the second Test. With four sessions still remaining, Gill's exceptional performance has put India in a commanding position to level the series.
The Indian wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant showed his class and humility in response to Harry Brook's suggestion about a 55-ball hundred during India's 2nd Test against England. Despite being on fire with the bat, Pant remained humble and focused on the team's performance, rather than personal records. This response from Pant showcases his maturity and team spirit, making him a true role model for young players.
Indian cricketer Shubman Gill has made history by becoming the highest scoring visiting batter in a Test match. The 25-year-old from Punjab broke former Australian captain Mark Taylor's record of 326 runs by scoring 269 runs in the first innings of the Edgbaston Test against England and 161 runs in the second. The only player to have scored more runs in a Test match is England's Graham Gooch, who made a total of 456 runs in a match against India in 1990. Gill's impressive performance has cemented his position as a top player in the world of cricket.
India's national cricket team, led by captain Shubman Gill, continued to dominate the second test against England on the fourth day, with a lead of 357 runs at lunch. Rishabh Pant also contributed with a brisk 41 not out, helping push India's lead to 602 before declaring. A warm reception from the crowd and opposing team marked Gill's departure after a marathon innings of 161 runs.
Former professional footballer, Thomas Partey, is facing multiple serious charges just one day before his scheduled wedding to fiancée Janine Mackson. The Ghana international, who recently ended his contract with Arsenal, is alleged to have committed the offences in 2021 and 2022, with three different women coming forward. While Partey has denied the charges, it is uncertain if the wedding will still take place in light of the recent news.