ICC World Test Championship points table (updated) as on December 18 after IND vs AUS BGT 2024-25 3rd TestÂ
The third Test between India and Australia in the Border-Gavaskar series ended in a draw after rain had the final say at The Gabba in Brisbane. Only limited play was possible on Day 5, and while Australia tried to force a result with a quick declaration, only two overs were possible in the final innings, before play was called off.
India and Australia were awarded four points each in the stalemate, which changed the complexion of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings.
The Men in Blue extended their points tally to 114 from 110, which has resulted in a drop in their win percentage. Prior to the Gabba Test, and post the Adelaide defeat, India's PCT read 57.29, but it has now dropped down to 55.88 ahead of the business end of the Border-Gavaskar series. They remain in third place, well above the fourth-placed New Zealand, and marginally behind their competitors, Australia.
The Men in Yellow had taken their PCT to 60.71 after their ten-wicket win in the second Test. However, a draw in the third Test is not the ideal one for them, considering they had a mammoth first-innings lead. Their PCT dropped down to 58.89, and they still hold second place, behind the top-ranked South Africa, who have a PCT of 63.33.
The fourth Test between India and Australia will be crucial in the WTC Final race
The fourth Test between the two heavyweights will be the Boxing Day encounter at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), beginning from December 26 onwards. The series is currently level at 1-1, and the results of the remaining two matches of the series will have huge implications on the WTC table.
If India win both matches to claim the series 3-1, they will qualify for the finals with a PCT of 60.52. However, if the visitors win one, and draw the other contest, then they will have to depend on Sri Lanka to yield a result against Australia in their two-match home series scheduled for early 2025.