After Brisbane Test Ends In Draw, WTC Final Hangs In Balance

December 18, 2024: The Brisbane Test between India and Australia ended in a draw due to weather disruptions, further complicating the race to qualify for the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s. Both teams were forced to settle for four points each, leaving the standings unchanged but providing some clarity on the path to qualification for the final.

Australia remains in second place in the WTC standings with a 58.89% points percentage, slightly ahead of India, who are in third place with 55.88%.

South Africa, leading the standings with a 63.33% points percentage, is currently in the box seat to secure a place in the WTC final. The remaining two spots for the final will likely come down to a contest between India and Australia.

The Brisbane Test didn’t change the top-three positions, but it highlighted what each team needs to do to qualify for the final:

Australia and India are still the closest challengers to South Africa, with upcoming series becoming crucial in determining the final teams.

Australia’s results in their upcoming Sri Lanka Tests will not impact India’s qualification. Instead, India’s fate now largely depends on their own performance and what unfolds in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne and the New Year Test in Sydney at the start of 2025.

India’s task is straightforward — they need to win both remaining Tests against Australia to have a chance at securing their spot in the WTC final. Even if they win one and draw the other, they will need Sri Lanka to secure a draw in at least one of their Tests against Australia. This is the scenario that would allow India to finish in the top two, provided they manage to maximize points from their remaining series.

Despite the rain and poor weather conditions causing significant interruptions, the match produced some thrilling moments. Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, made a bold move by declaring at 89/7, setting India a challenging target of 275 runs. His declaration was aimed at forcing a result and providing his bowlers with enough time to dismiss India.

India’s opening pair, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, stood firm and showed composure, particularly against the pace and swing of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. The duo looked in good touch, playing some fine shots and keeping the scoreboard ticking. However, as the match intensified, the weather took a turn for the worse, preventing any further play. After waiting for a possible resumption, both teams reluctantly shook hands, settling for the draw.

India and Australia continue to remain in a tight race for the WTC final, with both teams still needing to deliver strong performances in their upcoming Tests.

South Africa is in pole position, but a lot depends on the outcomes of India’s and Australia’s remaining fixtures.

• The Brisbane Test illustrated how weather can be a decisive factor, but also how a team’s determination (like Cummins’ declaration) can push for a result even in difficult conditions.

With the 2025 WTC final now just months away, the next Tests will likely be decisive, and fans can expect a thrilling conclusion to this cycle as teams fight for a coveted spot in the Lord’s final.