Border Gavaskar Trophy: Where does India stand in the WTC Final race?

India evaded an unfavorable outcome at the Gabba as the third Border Gavaskar Trophy Test ended in a draw. With a thumping 10-wicket victory in the Adelaide Test, Australia was keen to claim the lead in the series. However, the weather in Brisbane had other plans, as incessant breaks due to heavy cloud cover and downpours eventually forced the fixture to conclude in a stalemate. While the third India vs Australia clash staged a thrilling contest, both teams had to endure a significant blow in the WTC standings, as India and Australia witnessed a decline in their PCT at the end of the Gabba Test.

Border Gavaskar Trophy stuck at 1-1 India and Australia draw the Gabba Test

The opening day of the Gabba Test provided a glimpse into how the remainder of the fixture would proceed under the shadow of the clouds. The first day of the third BGT match was washed out after just 13.2 overs of action following India’s decision to bowl first. The second day, surprisingly going against the forecast of showers, witnessed Travis Head smashing his second ton against the visitors in consecutive matches. Moreover, as the clouds and Indian bowlers remained largely ineffective, Steve Smith also added to the pile of runs, finally breaking his dry spell with a century. The day ended with Australia in a favorable position as the Kangaroos eyed another victory.

However, the game proceeded in bits and pieces as Brisbane sustained consistent rain-marred intervals. If not for the rain, bad light eventually seized the day’s play early, eating up crucial overs. Day 4 witnessed a commendable effort from the Indian tailenders to defy a follow-on. It was very much on the cards for Australia to impose the follow-on as the Indian batting order departed cheaply. However, with contributions from KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, and Akash Deep down the order, the visitors managed to put the team in a position where Australia was forced to bat again.

As it all came down to Day 5, rain played one last role in hampering the result. After washing out the first session of the final day, the clouds returned during the last session, forcing the officials to call stumps. Effectively, Australia’s hopes of taking the lead were dashed as the contest ended in a draw. Three matches into the Border Gavaskar Trophy, the scoreline is poised at 1-1, with two matches remaining.

A tumultuous path up to the WTC Final for India and Australia

Both India and Australia earned four points each in the WTC standings due to the match ending without a result. However, their PCTs saw a decline, complicating the race for a spot in the WTC Final in June 2025. South Africa remains at the top of the WTC rankings with a PCT of 63.33. The team has two matches remaining in the ongoing cycle, both against Pakistan. A single win against the visitors would secure South Africa a place in the WTC Final.

Australia held onto second place, but their PCT dropped from 60.71 to 58.29. The Kangaroos have four matches left in the cycle, including two BGT fixtures in the five-match series. Following the Border Gavaskar Trophy, Australia will head to Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series. India, on the other hand, has just the two BGT matches left to ensure a positive end to their WTC cycle.

India, at best, can afford another draw to avoid relying on Sri Lanka and Pakistan for WTC Final qualification. If India manages to win the remaining Tests in the Border Gavaskar Trophy, they will finish with a PCT of 60.52. Even if Australia whitewashes Sri Lanka 2-0, the Kangaroos will not surpass India in the standings. Furthermore, securing a win and a draw would suffice, but only if Sri Lanka manages to draw one game against Australia at home. However, losing both matches would severely hurt India’s chances of making the final.

If India loses one of their remaining Tests against Australia, their hopes will hinge on Sri Lanka sweeping their series 2-0 against the Pat Cummins-led side. Alternatively, if Pakistan wins both Tests against South Africa, India would only need a single win in their last two games against Australia. Ultimately, the outcome of the Sri Lanka vs Australia series will determine the other finalist.