The competition for the ICC Test Championship final has become intensely competitive, with three major teams vying for the top spots as South Africa, joining the race at a later stage, has surged to the top of the table, displacing the previous leaders, Australia and India.

Before the start of the ongoing round of bilateral test series India and Australia were looking secured. South Africa, Sri Lanka were within striking ranges. New Zealand upsetting India whitewashing them in three matches test series in India caused a major turn of events. The 5 matches Border -Gavaskar test series in Australia became do or die for the two hot favorites. England -New Zealand series and South Africa -Sri Lanka series became equally important. 

England beating New Zealand by huge margins in two tests has virtually knocked New Zealand out of the contest. South Africa whitewashing Sri Lanka may also have put paid to Sri Lanka cause. South Africa climbing at the top of the table is now favored to feature in the ICC Test Championship final at Lords in 2025 at the cost of either Australia or India. South hosts Pakistan for two tests which they are expected to win. The Border Gavaskar series after two tests is locked at 1-1. India completes its journey with three more must win tests at Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Australia has another away series against Sri Lanka. 

ICC Test Championship Table Updated on 10 December 2024 
 

India surprising Australia with a massive win at Perth test was looking great. But the host bouncing back at day night pink ball test at Adelaide leveling the series made survival challenging for India. Now they need to win all three remaining tests or at least two to stay in the hunt. India will have to expect that Sri Lanka upsets Australia in their home series and Pakistan does not loose to South Africa. Looking at the present trend South Africa looks like almost confirming its first ever crack at the championship. In that case either Australia or India will join them. 

India for winning the tests against Australia needs regrouping and playing to the best of their abilities. Their batting against short lifting deliveries of Australian fast bowlers looks suspect. Indian bowling apart from redoubtable Jasprit Bumrah appears ordinary. India has opportunities at Sydney where wicket traditionally favors spin. But Australia is favorite at Brisbane and Melbourne provided that Australian top order batting recovers on time. Australia would like to settle score winning all three tests before travelling to Sri Lanka as beating Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka in two tests may not be easy.

South Africa appears in prolific form. Pakistan may not challenge them that much although Pakistan beat England at home in a recent series. But they were also whitewashed by Bangladesh. 

Anyway, matters will be settled over the next three to four weeks. Let the two top teams move to the final for an epic contest. Teams like Bangladesh, West Indies and Pakistan must improve a lot for better contests in the next round of ICC Test Championship. 

BDST: 1138 HRS, DEC 10, 2024
SMS