New Zealand close to the World Test Championship final
New Zealand’s recent victory over the West Indies puts them in a favorable position to reach the final of the World Test Championship (WTC), which will be held in June 2021 at Lord’s. New Zealand came very close to reaching the top spot in the Test ranking, being only 0.086 points behind Australia, after their victory in Wellington.However, the situation generated some initial confusion. For several hours after the match, the ICC’s prediction tool showed New Zealand at the top of the table. Subsequently, the ICC clarified in a tweet that Australia remained in first place with 116.461 rating points, while New Zealand had 116.375.
Australia could consolidate its leadership if it wins the series at home against India. For its part, New Zealand’s two victories against the West Indies gave them 300 WTC points from four series in the current cycle, which ends on March 31, 2021. If New Zealand repeats the 2-0 result against Pakistan later, it will finish with 420 points from five series. This would leave India needing to secure five wins (or four wins and three draws) in their last eight Tests (away against Australia and at home against England) to deny New Zealand a place in the WTC final, which will be played at Lord’s. Due to the pandemic, the ICC had to modify the classification criteria, moving from absolute points to a percentage of points disputed, that is, points per series played. Australia currently leads the WTC table, with 82.2% of the points won. If they manage a 2-2 draw against India, they will still lead with a percentage of 74.17%. If they lose 1-2, their percentage will fall to 70%. If New Zealand wins both Tests against Pakistan, it will finish with 84 points per series played or 70% of the points played. When India finishes its series against Australia and England, it will have played six series or 720 points. They will need to surpass 504 points to exceed New Zealand’s score of 84 points per series or 70% of the points played. Each of their remaining Test victories will be worth 30 points, and draws will give them 10 points. Five victories or four victories and three draws will put them ahead of New Zealand. Regarding the ranking, depending on how the India vs. Australia and New Zealand vs. Pakistan series unfold, Australia could extend its lead at number 1 or concede ground to New Zealand.
