India's chances of qualifying for World Test Championship Final: Scenarios in case of a draw or loss in the Boxing Day Test

New Delhi: Following Day 2 of the India vs Australia 4th Test in Melbourne, supporters of the Rohit Sharma-led team were feeling anxious. But Nitish Kumar Reddy (No. 8) and Washington Sundar (No. 9) provided a glimmer of hope with their resilient performance. Despite India being behind Australia by 116 runs, they still have two days remaining to turn the game around and salvage the Test match. This match is crucial for their prospects in the World Test Championship qualification race, so all eyes are now on the Indian team to stage a comeback.

Currently, South Africa leads the race for the World Test Championship final, followed by Australia and India. If India wins the series 3-1, they will automatically qualify for the final. However, even if India loses or draws the 4th Test in Melbourne, they can still make it to the WTC final. In such a scenario, Rohit Sharma’s team will need to closely monitor the outcomes of two key Test series – South Africa vs Pakistan and Sri Lanka vs Australia.

Here are the full scenarios for India’s qualification

Nitish Kumar Reddy stole the show on day three of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, scoring a brilliant maiden Test century in front of 83,073 fans. In just his fourth Test, Reddy displayed solid strokeplay, combining both front and back-foot techniques, along with impeccable defence, temperament, and composure. He formed a crucial 127-run partnership with fellow all-rounder Washington Sundar, who also contributed with a patient fifty. Together, they revived India’s innings from a precarious 221/7.

Reddy’s century, achieved in 171 balls, was a moment of personal triumph, marked by an emotional celebration as he looked to the skies and dedicated the achievement to his family. His father, Mutyala, and other family members were seen in tears, sharing the moment with him from the stands. Reddy’s century made history as the first Indian batter to score a Test century in Australia after batting at number eight or lower. Nine balls after Reddy’s milestone, bad light and drizzle interrupted play, but not before Reddy had soaked in the applause from teammates and spectators alike.