Australia qualifies for World Test Championship final after defeating India in Indore

Australia has finally booked its spot in this year’s World Test Championship final, defeating India by nine wickets in Indore to keep their hopes of lifting the coveted mace in June alive.

Despite failing to win back the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, this week’s crushing triumph at Holkar Cricket Stadium has put Australia one step closer towards a maiden World Test Championship title, the only ICC event they have never won.

Australia will subsequently finish first on the World Test Championship standings regardless of the outcome of next week’s series finale against India in Ahmedabad.

The World Test Championship final will take place at the Oval from June 7 to 11, ahead of the 2023 Ashes series in England. New Zealand are the reigning champions, having defeated India in the 2021 final at Southampton by eight wickets.

“To play at a neutral venue like The Oval adds another element for both sides who make the final,” Australian Test captain Pat Cummins said last month.

“It’s exciting and has been a goal of ours for a while now.

“We are confident we can secure a place while here in India after a really strong 12 months.

“The final would be a great reward for the players and staff who have done so well.”

India needs to win next week’s Ahmedabad Test to ensure qualification for the World Test Championship final, but if Australia secures another upset victory, or the contest ends as a draw, it opens the door for Sri Lanka to snatch the vacant spot.

In that scenario, if the Sri Lankans claim a 2-0 series whitewash in New Zealand later this month, they will face Australia in the World Test Championship final. However, if the Black Caps clinch a victory or a draw in either match, India automatically qualifies.

ICC WTC Standings 2021-23

68.52 — Australia

60.29 — India

53.33 — Sri Lanka

52.38 — South Africa

46.97 — England

38.1 — Pakistan

37.5 — West Indies

27.27 — New Zealand

11.11 — Bangladesh

“Leading Team India out onto the field of play at the World Test Championship final would be special,” Indian skipper Rohit Sharma said last month.

“We have grown and developed as a team during this competition and to be in with a chance of lifting the mace at The Oval in June, we know we first need to overcome a tough Australia side.

“There have been so many dramatic moments in Test cricket lately, and there are undoubtedly more to come.

“I am excited by the prospect of booking our place at the final and hopefully creating history later in the year.”

The fourth Test between India and Australia gets underway at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday, with the first ball scheduled for 3pm AEDT.