Who Will Claim the Final Spot in the World Test Championship

This week’s third Test between India and Australia proved to be a huge disappointment for Team India, who were humbled in the match. The pitch was clearly tilted in favour of spinners, however, this was not enough for the Indian cricket team to rise to the occasion as they were bowled out for an incredibly low 109 and 163 runs. Australia chased down the target of 75 runs with nine wickets in hand, securing their place in the upcoming World Test Championship final. In an attempt to get back on track, it appears that the Indian team management is most likely leaning towards sticking with their winning combination from the first two Tests of the series. With less than three weeks till their next match against England, there will be a lot of pressure on India to perform better in order to secure their own spot in the prestigious World Test Championship finals.

Mohammed Shami‘s omission from the Indian squad for the third Test against Australia came as a surprise to many, but it was part of India’s workload management for their premier bowler. Though Umesh Yadav stepped up with three wickets in the first innings and played a key role in Australia’s batting collapse on Day 2, India seem keen to recall their star bowler Mohammed Shami; his place in the XI likely sealed due to his impressive record at the Sardar Patel Stadium where he averages an astonishing 20.37. It remains to be seen how India plan their attack when Shami return to lead the bowling line-up, but Australians will no doubt be wary of what awaits them in Ahmedabad.

With the fourth and final Test of India’s series against England looming, India is set to make a few crucial changes to their line-up in order to secure a spot in the World Test Championship final. One such name who is certain to join the squad is Mohammed Siraj who, it has been confirmed, will feature in the three-match ODI series against Australia which will take place between March 17-22. This could be a huge blessing for India, who despite leading the England series 2-1 need good performances from their pace attack if they are to create an opening for qualification into the WTC final. Amongst those vying for selection is Shami, who has taken seven wickets from 30 overs in the series so far and could be important on what looks like a dry Motera surface that might benefit from reverse swing. This might be just what India needs if they are to stand a chance at sealed qualification when Sri Lanka travel away to face New Zealand.

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