WTC 2021-23: Qualification scenario for all participating teams

The ongoing World Test Championship cycle has entered an exciting phase, with a handful of teams vying for the top two spots in the points table. The Australian team are the overwhelming favorites to appear in the final of the WTC in 2023 after missing out on the final in 2021. However, four other teams are also in the running to grab the other spot.

Apart from Australia, South Africa, India, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies are contesting for the WTC final, set to be held at The Oval in June 2023. India, the runners-up of the previous edition, are one of the other favorites to make it to the final for the second time running. However, they still have plenty to do to seal their spot for the mega event in June 2023.

Qualification chances of each team:

Australia

Remaining matches- 5 

Pat Cummins' men are on the verge of sealing their maiden appearance in the WTC final, as they need just one win from their remaining five matches to seal a top-two finish. The third and final match of the ongoing Test series against the Proteas could well seal their place, with the hosts already 2-0 up in the series against a hapless South African team. Following the current series, they will play a four-match Test series against India later this year.

India:

Remaining matches- 4

The Indian team's chances of making it to their second successive WTC final took a massive dent following their series defeat against South Africa in early 2022. However, a series of favorable results elsewhere and a comprehensive series victory against Bangladesh have reinvigorated their campaign. The upcoming Border-Gavaskar trophy is crucial for the subcontinent side as a series victory against Australia is more than likely to seal their spot in the final to be held in June later this year.

South Africa:

Remaining matches- 3

South Africa were in pole position to appear in the final of the WTC in 2023, but consecutive series losses against England and Australia have dashed their hopes. They can still make the final, but will need to defeat the Aussies in the third Test at the SCG and will have to produce the goods in the two-match series against the Windies, requiring favors from results elsewhere too.

Sri Lanka:

Remaining matches- 2

The Islanders have been the biggest gainers in the WTC points table with several results going in their favor. However, Sri Lanka would have to defeat New Zealand in both the Test matches of the upcoming series to have any chance of qualifying for the final.

West Indies:

Remaining matches-2

The West Indies have a slim chance of making it to the WTC final with their hopes depending on several results elsewhere. They have got only two matches remaining in the current cycle, and they will need to win both games against the Proteas to have any chance of finishing in the top two places of the WTC points table.

England:

Remaining matches- 0 

England would have been right in the thick of things only for an abysmal run in the longest format of the game before the arrival of Brendon McCullum at the helm. They are no longer in the running for the WTC final but are one of the strongest contenders for the next cycle.

New Zealand:

Remaining matches- 3

The Kiwis have been eliminated from the WTC final race after their draw against Pakistan in the recently concluded Test series opener. However, they can spoil the party for Sri Lanka by winning all their remaining three matches, one against Pakistan and two against Sri Lanka.

Pakistan:

Remaining matches- 1

Babar Azam's Pakistan endured a horrible time in the longest format of the game in 2022 as the Asian side failed to win even a single Test match on their home soil, suffering back-to-back series defeats against Australia and England. A draw against New Zealand in the first Test sealed their fate for the ongoing WTC cycle, as a win against the Kiwis in their final Test won't be enough to take them to the second spot in the points table.