Australia almost qualifies for WTC; Here's what India needs to do to qualify for WTC final

After beating South Africa in the first test, Australia has registered a thrasing victory over the Proteas in the second game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday. The hosts won the second match by an inning and 182 runs.

With this win, Australia has taken a 2-0 unassaible lead in the three-match series. This win has almost pushed them to reach the finals of the World Test Championship. Now Australia just needs to draw or win the third and final game of the series.

On the other hand, South Africa has slipped to fourth place behind Australia, India, and Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, South Africa's second successive loss has also firmed up India's position at the second spot on the table.

Australia is at the top with a winning percentage of 78.57, while India is second on the table with a 58.93 winning percentage. Sri Lanka (53.33%) and South Africa (50%) are in third and fourth place, respectively. The WTC final will take place in England in June 2023.

South Africa's loss in two games has helped India strongly. Team India will host Australia in a four-match series in February. And if Australia wins or draws the third game against South Africa, then India's path will be more clear.

Then, India needs to win the four-match series against Australia by any margin to qualify for the WTC final, but it also hopes that Sri Lanka loses or draws the two-match series at home against New Zealand.

But if South Africa wins the third and final test and then clean sweeps the West Indies 2-0 in their last series of the WTC cycle, then India needs to win the series against Australia by 3-0, 3-1, or 2-0 to have a chance to qualify for the WTC final. However, if India wins 4-0 against Australia, that will be a sure path to the final. But after looking at Australia's current form, it seems difficult.