India and New Zealand confirmed as finalist for the World Test Championship 2019-2021 [Post#552]

[CanadianG00se]

So if my calculations are correct, Australia need to get more than 88 points in their series against SA to qualify. That means even a 2-1 (80 points) win for Australia will not make them qualify. They need to either win 2-0 (93 points) or 3-0 (120 points)

Hope to see NZ vs India in the WTC Final.

As per cricinfo points won’t be taken into consideration for this championship. It will be the win % that will decide top two teams.

 

[aloo paratha]

As per cricinfo points won’t be taken into consideration for this championship. It will be the win % that will decide top two teams.

Yes. Australia are currently at 332 points. They will contest for 600 points. To reach a point % of greater than 70 (which is what NZ are at), they have to earn more than 88 points from their final series.

Basically NZ and Aus are both going to contest 600 points, since both their series' in BD got cancelled. So between them, it's a shoot for whoever has more points.

 

[Firebat]

Scenarios: All to play for in the ICC World Test Championship

The ICC World Test Championship is interestingly poised with Australia, India and New Zealand the top contenders for making the final in June.

After withstanding an all-out assault, India clinched the four-Test series 2-1 at The Gabba handing Australia their first defeat at the stadium since 1988. India retain the Border-Gavaskar trophy and move into No.1 spot in the ICC World Test Championship rankings while Australia slip to No.3 position.

The victory gave India the highest PCT in the nine-team table – they have 71.7% over New Zealand's 70% and Australia's 69.2%. In November, the ICC had announced that the poinst system for the World Test Championship would be remodeled due to the disruption caused to the regular calendar by COVID-19, with teams being ranked by percentage of points earned (PCT).

That in mind, the ICC World Test Championship is interestingly poised with Australia, India and New Zealand the top contenders for making the final in June. Below are some qualification scenarios:

India – 71.7%

Remaining matches: Four-Test home series against England

India’s win in the final Test in Brisbane has boosted their chances of making the final. To cement their place in the final, India will need to win by at least a two-match margin and if they lose one, then they will need to win three games (4-0, 3-0, 3-1 or 2-0) in their upcoming four-match home series against England, whereas a 0-3 or 0-4 loss against England will wipe away their chances of making the final regardless of other results.

New Zealand – 70.0%

Remaining matches: None

The equation for New Zealand is simple; as they may not have more engagements (their home series against Bangladesh is not confirmed). New Zealand will remain on 70.0%, having claimed 420 points from a possible 600. Therefore, they need no more than one other team to finish with more than 70.0% of points earned.

For instance, a combination of England winning all their remaining 5 matches and South Africa winning by a 3-0 or 2-0 margin against Australia would end New Zealand’s chances of making the final.

Australia – 69.2%

Remaining matches: Three Tests in South Africa (TBC)

Australia have slipped to third place with 69.1% points after their loss in the final Test against India in Brisbane. To secure a place in the final, Australia will have to win at least two of the yet to be confirmed 3-match series against South Africa and avoid any losses. On the other hand, a home series win by South Africa will end Australia’s chances of making the final. Any other results require a favourable combination of series results not featuring Australia.

England – 65.2%

Remaining matches: One Test in Sri Lanka, four Tests in India

England have an outside chance to reach the final. Their best chance is to beat Sri Lanka in the remaining Test in Galle and win the four-match series against India by a 3-0 or 4-0 margin. Any other results require a favourable combination of series results not featuring England.

South Africa – 40.0%

Remaining matches: Three-Test home series against Australia (TBC)

South Africa may also still be in with a mathematical chance, though it requires them to win sweep both their upcoming series i.e. away series against Pakistan and home series against Australia as well as England's results in Sri Lanka and India going in favour of Quinton de Kock's side.

The remaining teams – Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the West Indies and Bangladesh – will not be able to reach the final even if they win all their remaining fixtures.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1979502

 

[dravidthewall]

What if england loose to srilanka and win all matches against india .will they qualify??

 

[Mesozoic]

What if england loose to srilanka and win all matches against india .will they qualify??

Yes. But they'll need SAF to beat Australia atleast by a 2-1 margin.They'll end up with 65.5℅ PCT if they sweep India 4-0 and lose the remaining one Test to Sri Lanka.

India will drop down to 59.7℅ and will crash out of the final race.

New zealand vs England will be the final.

 

[dravidthewall]

Yes. But they'll need SAF to beat Australia atleast by a 2-1 margin.They'll end up with 65.5℅ PCT if they sweep India 4-0 and lose the remaining one Test to Sri Lanka.

India will drop down to 59.7℅ and will crash out of the final race.

New zealand vs England will be the final.

Ok thank you

 

[King_Kohli]

Huge Test match for England w.r.t WTC finals. A win could see them breathing under the neck of India, Australia and New Zealand. A defeat and it could be curtains.

 

[King_Kohli]

Scenarios:

India

A terrific win at the Gabba and the 2-1 series win against Australia has given India some breathing space. India are on top of the points table with 430 points which gives them a PCT of 71.67%. They need to reach 505 points to pip New Zealand to earn a direct qualification for the final without depending on the South Africa-Australia series. To reach 505 points, India need to beat England by a margin of 4-0 or 3-0 or 3-1 or 2-0.

Australia

The series defeat against India at home has put Australia under pressure heading into the South Africa series. They currently have 69.16% (332 points) and if the scheduled tour to South Africa doesn't happen, they will finish just below New Zealand (70%) and will miss a spot in the finals unless England spring a surprise series win in India.

Had they not lost the four points for slow over-rate at MCG, Australia could have been tied on PCT with New Zealand at 70.00% and could have progressed thanks to their superior Runs per Wicket ratio over the trans-Tasman neighbours. For Australia to qualify without depending on other results, they would need series wins by a 3-0 or 2-0 margin against South Africa.

New Zealand

New Zealand is the first side to finish all their assignments in the first cycle of WTC and they sit with 70.00% PCT winning 420 of the 600 points they contested for. For them to qualify, at least two of India, Australia or England should finish below 70.00 per cent. For England to go past New Zealand on PCT, they would need to win the second Test against Sri Lanka and then win either by 4-0 or 3-0 margins in India - both of which looks highly unlikely. How India and Australia can finish ahead of New Zealand have already been mentioned in the previous paragraphs.

England

All England have at the moment is an outside chance. For England to qualify, they need to beat Sri Lanka in the second Test at Galle, then win the series in India by any margin and hope Australia don't win the series in South Africa. Given India's outstanding home record and the fact that they have only lost a solitary Test at home in the last eight years, it'll take a herculean effort from England to pull that off.

A tie would change the equations considerably as it would mean the participating sides would get 50% of the points for that particular match compared to 33% for a draw. Points docked for slow-over rate could also, bring in a change in equations as the prospective margin between India, Australia and New Zealand look very fine at the moment.

 

[MenInG]

 

[CanadianG00se]

So,
NZ racked up points by beating teams at home but avoided touring BD even now when other team(s) are visiting it. NZ is avoiding yet another Bangla wash to save their artificial #1 test ranking and chances for WTC. NZ don’t really deserve to be in finals.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

So,
NZ racked up points by beating teams at home but avoided touring BD even now when other team(s) are visiting it. NZ is avoiding yet another Bangla wash to save their artificial #1 test ranking and chances for WTC. NZ don’t really deserve to be in finals.

Good point. Meanwhile BD are avoiding PK

 

[aloo paratha]

So,
NZ racked up points by beating teams at home but avoided touring BD even now when other team(s) are visiting it. NZ is avoiding yet another Bangla wash to save their artificial #1 test ranking and chances for WTC. NZ don’t really deserve to be in finals.

Bangladesh cancelled their series' with both Australia and NZ. If anything it's worse for NZ. NZ would've easily whitewashed them. They generally do better than the other SENA teams in Asia, and Bangladesh got smashed in a test match at home against Afghanistan.

 

[CanadianG00se]

Bangladesh cancelled their series' with both Australia and NZ. If anything it's worse for NZ. NZ would've easily whitewashed them. They generally do better than the other SENA teams in Asia, and Bangladesh got smashed in a test match at home against Afghanistan.

NZ haven’t won anything in BD for a while now. BD at home are different team then away. They even push full strength Indian team to fullest. I’m positive it won’t be Whitewash in NZ’s favour. [MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION] what you think Of BD chances if they are to host NZ at home?

 

[CanadianG00se]

Bangladesh cancelled their series' with both Australia and NZ. If anything it's worse for NZ. NZ would've easily whitewashed them. They generally do better than the other SENA teams in Asia, and Bangladesh got smashed in a test match at home against Afghanistan.

And,
No NZ are worst of the SENA teams touring ASIA. They recently defeated Pakistan(depleted side due to MisYou) in UAE but haven’t even won a test match against India in India since perhaps Hadlee era.

 

[aloo paratha]

NZ haven’t won anything in BD for a while now. BD at home are different team then away. They even push full strength Indian team to fullest. I’m positive it won’t be Whitewash in NZ’s favour. [MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION] what you think Of BD chances if they are to host NZ at home?

Bangladesh lost a test against Afghanistan at home. You're telling me they would've been able to beat NZ, that too without Shakib? (series was originally set in June last year while Shakib was still banned).

 

[CanadianG00se]

Bangladesh lost a test against Afghanistan at home. You're telling me they would've been able to beat NZ, that too without Shakib? (series was originally set in June last year while Shakib was still banned).

Afghanistan have much better players equipped for spin conditions than Kiwis. NZ got bangla wash not once but twice in their last tours to Bangladesh.

 

[aloo paratha]

Afghanistan have much better players equipped for spin conditions than Kiwis. NZ got bangla wash not once but twice in their last tours to Bangladesh.

Those were in ODIs, and they were 8 and 11 years ago. Only Williamson, Taylor, Wagner and Boult remain from those teams. Both Wagner and Boult were playing their first year of test cricket.

it's all irrelevant anyways, since BD are the ones who cancelled the tour saying they don't have time or money.

 

[MenInG]

The top four - India, New Zealand, Australia and England - in the ICC World Test Championship are separated by just 3 percentage points as the race for the final goes down to the wire.

England closed in on the top three with a 2-0 series sweep in Sri Lanka. The nine-team table is led by India with 71.7%, ahead of New Zealand's 70%, Australia's 69.2% and England's 68.7%. In November, the ICC had announced that the points system for the World Test Championship would be remodelled due to the disruption caused to the regular calendar by COVID-19, with teams being ranked by percentage of points earned (PCT).

Below are some qualification scenarios for reaching the final of the World Test Championships:

India – 71.7%

Remaining matches: Four-Test home series against England

To cement their place in the final, India will need to win their upcoming four-match home series against England by at least a two-match margin. If they lose one Test, then they will need to win three games (4-0, 3-0, 3-1 or 2-0), whereas a 0-3 or 0-4 loss against England will wipe away their chances of making the final regardless of other results.

New Zealand – 70.0%

Remaining matches: None

The equation for New Zealand is simple; as they may not have more engagements (their home series against Bangladesh is not confirmed). New Zealand will remain on 70.0%, having claimed 420 points from a possible 600. Therefore, they need no more than one other team to finish with more than 70.0% of points earned.

For instance, a combination of England winning all their remaining matches and South Africa winning by a 3-0 or 2-0 margin against Australia would end New Zealand’s chances of making the final.

Australia – 69.2%

Remaining matches: Three Tests in South Africa (TBC)

Australia have slipped to third place with 69.2% points after their loss in the final Test against India in Brisbane. To secure a place in the final, Australia will have to win at least two Tests of the yet to be confirmed three-match series against South Africa and avoid any losses. On the other hand, a home series win by South Africa will end Australia’s chances of making the final. Any other results require a favourable combination of series results not featuring Australia.

England – 68.7%

Remaining matches: Four Tests in India

Fourth-placed England's best chance of reaching the final is to win the four-match series against India by a 3-0 or 4-0 margin. Any other results require a favourable combination of series results not featuring England.

South Africa – 40.0%

Remaining matches: Two Tests in Pakistan, Three-Test home series against Australia (TBC)

After England's series win in Sri Lanka, South Africa's hopes of making the final have ended.

The remaining teams – Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the West Indies and Bangladesh – will not be able to reach the final even if they win all their remaining fixtures.

 

[MenInG]

The final of the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship (WTC) will now be played out from June 18 to 22 with June 23 acting as a reserve day. The decider was originally scheduled to be held from June 10 to 14 at the Lord's Cricket Ground. ANI has reliably learnt that it was done keeping in mind the proximity between the WTC final and the final of the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League -- dates yet to be officially announced -- and any quarantine period that players might have to go through with an eye on the coronavirus pandemic.

It is almost certain that India will be a part of the final.

Currently, India and New Zealand are placed at the top two spots in the WTC standings. Virat Kohli's side has 430 points after playing five series, while New Zealand have 420 points after playing five series.

India will be playing one more series against England as part of WTC and Australia, who are placed at the third spot, will be taking on South Africa. Australia would be required to win against South Africa if Tim Paine and his boys wish to make it to the finals of WTC.

Last year, the ICC had decided to change the point-rating system of WTC due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The WTC table has now been revised to rank teams based on the percentage of points earned from the series played, meaning teams are ranked in order of percentage of points earned.

Earlier in the day, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Monday confirmed that England will start their home international summer with a two-match Test series against New Zealand, commencing from June 2.

Joe Root's team will host number one ranked Test side New Zealand for two Test matches at Lord's (June 2-6) and Edgbaston (June 10-14).

The Test championship is not just a project close to the ICC''s heart, even stars like Kohli have made it clear how it is an integral part of the system, and winning it would be the ultimate cherry on the cake.

"I think Test Championship, as an ICC tournament, should be right up there. All the other tournaments, for me, start under that. This is going to be the biggest of them all. Every team wants to make it to the final at Lord's. And we are not any different. We want those points and make sure that we qualify as early as we can, and be in that frame of mind to hopefully win that," he had said.

https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/wor...ostponed-will-start-on-june-18-report-2357897

 

[CanadianG00se]

Those were in ODIs, and they were 8 and 11 years ago. Only Williamson, Taylor, Wagner and Boult remain from those teams. Both Wagner and Boult were playing their first year of test cricket.

it's all irrelevant anyways, since BD are the ones who cancelled the tour saying they don't have time or money.

It doesn’t matter how long ago, KIWIS are horrible at playing quality spin on turning pitches. BD have quality spinners plus very good batting lineup for home conditions to decimate teams who play spin poorly.

 

[MenInG]

The start of the inaugural World Test Championship final has been pushed back by eight days and will now begin at Lord's on June 18, keeping in mind the proximity with the next IPL's summit showdown. (More Cricket News)

The final of the inaugural championship was tentatively scheduled to begin on June 10 at the iconic venue in London.

However, since the Indian Premier League final is also expected to be played around the same dates, it could have complicated the quarantine schedule of the participating players.

"The WTC Final will now be played from June 18-22 and June 23 will be the reserve day. As background we pushed it back to allow for any quarantine that may be imposed, particularly given the close proximity to the end of the IPL and the original dates) so driven by quarantine," a BCCI source told PTI.

The IPL schedule has not been finalised as yet but it is expected to conclude towards the end the May.

There is a close fight between India, Australia and New Zealand to compete for the title. India are leading the table with 430 points (PCT 71.7), followed by New Zealand (420, PCT 70) and Australia (332, PCT 69.2).

India recently jumped to the top of the table, following their 2-1 win in the four-match series in Australia.


https://www.outlookindia.com/websit...championship-final-dates-check-details/372132

 

[Thunderbolt14]

All hail IPL

 

[King_Kohli]

playing IPL before WTC final facepalm

 

[Ab Fan]

What if WTC ends up as drawn test? An extra reserve day??

In that case, team batting first should look to bat as long as possible. Maybe get 650 so their chance of losing becomes improbable.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

What if WTC ends up as drawn test? An extra reserve day??

In that case, team batting first should look to bat as long as possible. Maybe get 650 so their chance of losing becomes improbable.

It will be awarded to the team ranked higher in the points table. Which is stupid if you ask me as the team ranked higher can just go in with the mindset of playing for a draw.

 

[King_Kohli]

It will be awarded to the team ranked higher in the points table. Which is stupid if you ask me as the team ranked higher can just go in with the mindset of playing for a draw.

Very true.
This is stupid rule.

 

[Energy]

What if WTC ends up as drawn test? An extra reserve day??

In that case, team batting first should look to bat as long as possible. Maybe get 650 so their chance of losing becomes improbable.

The pitch will play a role. A sporting wicket will always get a result unless there's rain.

 

[Ab Fan]

It will be awarded to the team ranked higher in the points table. Which is stupid if you ask me as the team ranked higher can just go in with the mindset of playing for a draw.

Yeah, that's ridiculous. NZ are a brilliant team but their no.1 ranking is only because of playing more games at home compared to India who are playing away more.

 

[MenInG]

 

[dani2k]

Darn...Playing the IPL final before playing one of the most important finals for which one has struggled hard for three years? (In India's case IF we make it)..

I am not too hopeful as conditions would be seamer friendly in June. We can handle pace and bounce ala Australia and it is pace and swing where we struggle..If it is an Ind vs NZ or an Aus vs NZ final, it is advantage NZ for sure. An Aus vs Ind final would be more closer. If India makes the finals, defensive players like Pujara and Vihari should have a greater say in the proceedings since they would not play the IPL and would be better prepared for red ball cricket. Not sure about the rest except Kohli who has shown that he can adjust faster.

 

[dani2k]

Yeah, that's ridiculous. NZ are a brilliant team but their no.1 ranking is only because of playing more games at home compared to India who are playing away more.

India has played enough home games too...so can't nit pick on NZ. Also the home and away matches even out over a period of time. Fair enough looking at a longer run.

One cannot be called a champion if he has not faced possibly all conditions right , it would all seem so hollow.

 

[MenInG]

 

[MenInG]

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Australia vs NZ at Lord’s on the cards?

I’ll put it as
India 60%
Australia 30%
England 10%

 

[ChTab]

Zero points for Bangladesh as expected, if ICC has plans of continuing WTC they should make it a 2 - tier league in which the top eight teams would be in the 1st division & the remaining four teams would be in the 2nd division.

ICC should also introduce a promotion & relegation system as well, the last team from one cycle should be demoted automatically & the top team from division 2 should be promoted.

 

[Junaids]

If England win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1, or the series is drawn 1-1 or 2-2, then AUSTRALIA plays NZ in the Final.

If England wins 3-0, 3-1, 4-0 or 4-1 then ENGLAND plays NZ in the Final.

If India wins 2-1 or 3-1 then INDIA plays NZ in the Final.

 

[Junaids]

In other words, if England wins one more Test in India, India cannot reach the Final.

 

[MenInG]

However, the task that awaits India and England in the remainder of the series is the same. Both teams will need to win two of the remaining three matches to progress. While England can still afford a loss – even a 3-1 series victory will take them to the final – India cannot afford to lose another match.

 

[aloo paratha]

Zero points for Bangladesh as expected, if ICC has plans of continuing WTC they should make it a 2 - tier league in which the top eight teams would be in the 1st division & the remaining four teams would be in the 2nd division.

ICC should also introduce a promotion & relegation system as well, the last team from one cycle should be demoted automatically & the top team from division 2 should be promoted.

But when you say a 7 team WTC is better, certain people get mad.

 

[MenInG]

 

[MenInG]

India remain in contention to make the final of the ICC World Test Championship after completing an an impressive victory over England in the second Test to draw level in the four-match series.

The victory in Chennai on Tuesday has lifted India to second position with 69.7 percentage points on the points table but they cannot afford to lose another match as they need to win 2-1 or 3-1 to qualify for the final of the maiden edition of the championship.

England, who led the table after winning the opening Test, have slipped to fourth spot with 67.0 percentage points. They can still qualify, but for that they must win both remaining matches of the series against India.

New Zealand have already qualified for the final while Australia can qualify ahead of India and England if the ongoing series is drawn or if England win 2-1.

The West Indies have moved up to sixth position after their 2-0 series win over Bangladesh, who are yet to register a point.

 

[MenInG]

The MCC World Cricket committee (WCC) met recently via Conference Call. It was the first meeting of 2021, following the postponement of the physical meetings which were planned for 2020.

The future of the ICC World Test Championship

The committee is pleased to see the advent of the ICC World Test Championship, following its backing of such a tournament over a number of years, and remains supportive as the Championship reaches its first final later this year.

The attention now turns to the second cycle in the tournament, which is due to run between 2021 and 2023, and the committee discussed what improvements could be made during the next three years of World Test Championship matches.

The committee spoke about various possible enhancements which could be made, and these will be formalised and submitted to the ICC at their cricket committee meeting next month. Some of the broader suggestions include a more simplified points system, a clear window in the Future Tours Programme for matches to take place, and the marketing of the tournament to make it easier for supporters to understand.

These developments would give further context to the fixtures that take place around the world throughout the second cycle.

 

[Firebat]

 

[Firebat]

If India win or draw the fourth Test against England, WTC final will be: India v New Zealand

If England win the fourth Test against India, WTC final will be: Australia v New Zealand

 

[Ab Fan]

India Vs New Zealand it will be.

Another final and another heartbreak coming up for Kane Williamson and his men

 

[Firebat]

India Vs New Zealand it will be.

Another final and another heartbreak coming up for Kane Williamson and his men

Honestly speaking, do you have a lot of confidence in your batsmen handling Boult, Southee, Jamieson swinging it around corners? Those are NZ conditions after all. Anderson's spell in the 1st (I think) Test in Chennai was quite alarming was it not?

 

[shamaan]

New Zealand will beat india in the final hopefully the pitch isnt an oval pitch

 

[The lone Ranger]

The match is not in Newzealand so
Those who are waiting for indian loss are going to eat humble pies.

New Zealand are not hard to beat away from home. They have won a grand total of 1 test in India, Australia, England and South Africa combined since 2000.

 

[Snatch]

The match is not in Newzealand so
Those who are waiting for indian loss are going to eat humble pies.

New Zealand are not hard to beat away from home. They have won a grand total of 1 test in India, Australia, England and South Africa combined since 2000.

Firstly that is plain wrong.

Secondly, why are people using time scales of 10 or 20 years when the relevant strength of any current side is 5 years at most, and probably more accurately 2 years

Here's what NZ has achieved away in the last 5 years

Last away tour of SL 1-1 series draw (and the away tour prior to that 1-1 also)
Last away tour against Pakistan in the UAE 2-1 series win (and the previous one 1-1 draw in the UAE)
Last away tour of England 1-1 draw
Last two away tours of the West Indies, NZ won both series

The only places they have struggled away are Australia, SA & India

So yes, New Zealand are incredibly strong at home, but can we stop making out they're hopeless away, when they've been better in Asia for the last 5-6 years than Australia, South Africa and England.

Also it's not their fault that they hardly get many away tours... case in point they have been to England or India since 2016

 

[Snatch]

Furthermore to the above ^

NZ absolutely destroyed both England and India in Test series at home both in the last 2 years.

The only tour NZ were incredibly disappointing, was the 2019/20 tour of Australia

 

[Buffet]

The match is not in Newzealand so
Those who are waiting for indian loss are going to eat humble pies.

New Zealand are not hard to beat away from home. They have won a grand total of 1 test in India, Australia, England and South Africa combined since 2000.

Not correct. NZ has played 47 tests since 2000 and has won 2 tests combined in SA, Eng, Aus, and Ind.

 

[King_Kohli]

Honestly speaking, do you have a lot of confidence in your batsmen handling Boult, Southee, Jamieson swinging it around corners? Those are NZ conditions after all. Anderson's spell in the 1st (I think) Test in Chennai was quite alarming was it not?

Playing IPL before WTC finals doesn't make sense. On the other hand Nz is going to play two-Test series in England.

WTC Final: June 18 to 22 with June 23 acting as a reserve day.
Nz vs England Test Series : June 2 - June 2
Meantime India : Playing IPL 2months and after that will play WTC final without much red ball practice

 

[MenInG]

Should India lose the fourth Test, they will be out of the race with Australia making it to the summit clash for which New Zealand have already qualified. India have to at least ensure a draw to make the final.


https://www.cricketcountry.com/news...tch-to-greet-teams-despite-controversy-972052

 

[Hasan123]

I think Australia would beat New Zealand in English conditions. I think India vs New Zealand would be a much more closer game in English conditions.

Looking forward to the final. Hope we get a good game.

 

[street cricketer]

I think Australia would beat New Zealand in English conditions. I think India vs New Zealand would be a much more closer game in English conditions.

Looking forward to the final. Hope we get a good game.

Agreed on Australia beating NZ.

But I think NZ would beat India in the final. Would be pleasantly surprised if they don't get beat in the final but Boult with his inswingers will wreck the Indian top order.

 

[Hasan123]

Agreed on Australia beating NZ.

But I think NZ would beat India in the final. Would be pleasantly surprised if they don't get beat in the final but Boult with his inswingers will wreck the Indian top order.

In swinging conditions New Zealand would be favourites. But if it was a flat pitch, India would be the favourites. It’s a final, so being favourites doesn’t really matter.

 

[Wnaq]

It's going to be Australia vs NewZealand final. Don't see the new chokers of world cricket winning this final test even on a spinning track.

 

[Wnaq]

India! Pack your bags and start preparing for 2023 world test championship that too in vain.

 

[aloo paratha]

I think Australia would beat New Zealand in English conditions. I think India vs New Zealand would be a much more closer game in English conditions.

Looking forward to the final. Hope we get a good game.

A part of me really wanted to see an England vs NZ final. Would've been a rematch of sorts from 2 years ago.

 

[Hasan123]

A part of me really wanted to see an England vs NZ final. Would've been a rematch of sorts from 2 years ago.

England are playing NZ in 2 tests before the final. So you will get to see them play.

I think England would beat NZ if it was the final. With home advantage and that experience of winning the WC final will give them the edge.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

Both England and India deserved to be in final.

It will be so annoying if Australia somehow manage to get into final. Especially after losing at home against India.

But then again, Aussies have some major luck in ICC competitions.

 

[aloo paratha]

England are playing NZ in 2 tests before the final. So you will get to see them play.

I think England would beat NZ if it was the final. With home advantage and that experience of winning the WC final will give them the edge.

Yeah but a final is different. Plus some players might miss those tests cuz of IPL.

I think it would be pretty close. The bowling attacks are pretty equally matched and I think New Zealands batting lineup is better.

 

[Hasan123]

Yeah but a final is different. Plus some players might miss those tests cuz of IPL.

I think it would be pretty close. The bowling attacks are pretty equally matched and I think New Zealands batting lineup is better.

NZ batting is strong at home. Not convinced by it away from home. England's batting has problems as well. It would have been a fun game. But I think India vs New Zealand will be a great game. Australia definitely would have trounced NZ.

 

[Buffet]

Both England and India deserved to be in final.

It will be so annoying if Australia somehow manage to get into final. Especially after losing at home against India.

But then again, Aussies have some major luck in ICC competitions.

A repeat of Eng getting lucky with the toss on a super flat track and track spinning later can result in Aus in finals.

 

[CanadianG00se]

A repeat of Eng getting lucky with the toss on a super flat track and track spinning later can result in Aus in finals.

Based on media reports, pitch for 4 test will be more or less the same as 3rd test. Indian team are not taking any chances to put out flat wicket which could backfire like 1st test.

 

[Buffet]

Based on media reports, pitch for 4 test will be more or less the same as 3rd test. Indian team are not taking any chances to put out flat wicket which could backfire like 1st test.

It will be hard for Eng to win if the wicket remains flat the entire 5 days or turn all 5 days.

 

[Indiafan]

Based on media reports, pitch for 4 test will be more or less the same as 3rd test. Indian team are not taking any chances to put out flat wicket which could backfire like 1st test.

Yeah, but one word of caution. The wickets of straight balls had a lot to do with the pink ball. A red ball will not cause as much problems on same pitch

 

[Aman]

Our best bet is India, I don't think we stand a chance against Aus.

 

[Last Monetarist]

https://sports.ndtv.com/india-vs-england-2020-21/indvseng-ishant-sharma-was-right-winning-world-test-championship-is-like-winning-world-cup-says-ajinkya-rahane-2382083?amp=1&akamai-rum=off&__twitter_impression=true

India's Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane on Tuesday echoed pacer Ishant Sharma's emotions and said winning the World Test Championship (WTC) would be similar to winning the World Cup. India currently have a 2-1 lead in the ongoing four-match series against England and if the hosts manage to avoid defeat, they would secure their berth in the final of the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC). "Absolutely, Ishant was spot on in what he said. Winning the WTC is equal to winning the World Cup. We are all focusing on that. Having said that, the focus right now is to play the fourth Test against England. Ishant was completely right," said Rahane while replying to an ANI query during a virtual press conference on Tuesday.

In the ongoing series against England, Rahane has managed to score just 85 runs and his highest score of 67 came in the second Test at Chepauk.

India had managed to defeat England by 10 wickets within two days in the pink-ball Test. The match saw both India and England batsmen failing to shine and getting out to balls that did not turn and skidded through from the spinners. "When you play on spinning tracks, you have to play the line. In India, we haven't played so many games in the last two-three years. When you play on spinning and seaming wickets, it's all about playing the line," said Rahane. "When the ball is spinning too much, you do not have to think about it, you just have to play the line, if you miss the ball, you miss the ball. Backing your defence and ability on seaming and spinning wicket is something we follow," he added. Earlier, pacer Ishant Sharma had said that the World Test Championship is like a World Cup for him and if India goe on to win the Championship, then it would be a similar feeling to winning the World Cup.

"I am just focused on how to win this series and qualify for the finals of the WTC. I just play one format, WTC is like a World Cup for me," Ishant had said during a virtual press conference ahead of the third Test against England. "If we play the finals and then we go on to win, the feeling would be the same as winning the World Cup or the Champions Trophy."

 

[CanadianG00se]

Our best bet is India, I don't think we stand a chance against Aus.

You guys don’t stand a chance against any top
side outside your island. In 20 years, you guys have won just 2 test matches against Top 4 team. So called no#1 team eh?

 

[Mesozoic]

Lords, here we come.




India vs New Zealand it is.

 

[MenInG]

 

[King_Kohli]

India in World Test Championship cycle 1

Most Test wins (12)
Most series wins (5)
Most points (520)
Highest PCT (72.2%)
Highest runs/wkt ratio (1.577)

India lost just four Tests (joint fewest) despite playing more Tests than any team (17) apart from England (21).

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Not too confident against NZ in England though. Depends on NZ's bowling attack now. Although it will be a good practice before England series.

 

[Hasan123]

This should be a good game. The fact it is in England gives NZ a good chance. India need to sort their batting out. They have the bowling for all conditions, if they can score enough runs they can definitely win.

 

[Markhor]

Final WTC standings look an accurate reflection of where the Test sides rank.

India deservedly at the top along with the very consistent home side New Zealand and Australia forming the top three.

Dismal showings for South Africa and Sri Lanka.

 

[Ab Fan]

Aussies were more deserving than NZ for a place in WTC final. They absolutely smoked NZ home and away both.

India
Australia
New Zealand
South Africa
England
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
West Indies

 

[Markhor]

Aussies were more deserving than NZ for a place in WTC final. They absolutely smoked NZ home and away both.

India
Australia
New Zealand
South Africa
England
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
West Indies

England beat South Africa very comfortably away in 19-20. Fourth place is about right for them.

They're weaker than the top three because of their fragile batting, but still ahead of the rest of the pack.

 

[Mesozoic]

Aussies were more deserving than NZ for a place in WTC final. They absolutely smoked NZ home and away both.

England deserved it even more than them. Won two away series comfortably and won a test in India whiles staying unbeaten at home.

Australia and NZ won zero away series and the former lost to India at home....

 

[MP2011]

England deserved it even more than them. Won two away series comfortably and won a test in India whiles staying unbeaten at home.

Australia and NZ won zero away series and the former lost to India at home....

This. NZ has been extremely lucky.