Ben Stokes-led England have knocked Pakistan out of World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 final race with a close 26-run win in Multan Test. Pakistan had a bright chance of reaching their first WTC final before the series but England’s aggressive approach worked for them overseas as well and helped them win the series on Pakistan after 22 years. The series win also means that now there are four nations who are in contention for the WTC 2021-23 final spot.
India will resume their journey in hopes of reaching second consecutive final with two-Test series against Bangladesh. It will be followed by a four-Test series against Australia at home. The Pat Cummins-led side is currently leading the WTC table with a win percentage of 75.
India face an uphill task as they need to win five out of last six Tests to solidify their spot in the WTC final. Bangladesh recently beat India 2-1 in the three-ODI series. Skipper Rohit Sharma has been ruled out of the first Test as well and KL Rahul will lead the side. Bangladesh are high on confidence and will play the Test series in favourable conditions.
On the other hand, Australia outclassed West Indies at home and will face South Africa in three-Test series. The odds have been stacked in their favour as they need to win three out of seven games to qualify for the final.
South Africa are currently placed second on the points table with winning percentage of 60. They need three wins from the five remaining games. India would hope that Australia hammer the Proteas at home to improve their chances. After facing the Aussies, South Africa will go up against West Indies next year in home conditions.
Sri Lanka have a slightly better win percentage (53.33) than India. Sri Lanka will face a tough challenge as they will tour New Zealand for two-Test series which they need to win in order to stay alive in the tournament. Even if they win the Test series against the BlackCaps in favourable conditions, they will be dependent on results of others.
India are currently in fourth position with six wins from 12 Tests and a win percentage of 52.08. The loss against England in the rescheduled Test against England in Edgbaston had a negative impact on India’s WTC final chances as well. After spoiling Pakistan's party, England are now placed fifth on the points table with nine wins from 21 Tests. Eight out of nine Test wins have come under Stokes' leadership.
