Implications of Brisbane Draw in Australia on India's WTC Final Prospects

During the day, Australia completed India's first innings by taking the final wicket. Captain Pat Cummins then declared Australia's second innings at 89-7, leaving India with a challenging target of 275 runs to win in just 54 overs. However, play was halted after less than three overs due to bad light, leading to an early tea break. At that point, India was at none for 8, still requiring 267 runs for victory.

Later, rain arrived for the second time on Tuesday and that marked the end of the match.

The draw at the Gabba kept India at the third spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) points table, with a PCT of 58.88 after 17 matches in the current cycle. Australia stand second with 58.89, while South Africa remain at the top with 63.33.

The draw did keep India still in the hunt for a spot in the WTC final, but they have now entered a must-win territory. The tourists cannot afford another draw or a loss in the remaining two matches - scheduled to be played in Sydney and Melbourne. If they win 3-1, India will qualify for the final without depending on any other results.

If India win one and lose another in the remaining two games, they would rely on Sri Lanka to beat the Aussies by 1-0 in their contest next month. The result would leave India at 55.3%, while Australia at 53.5 per cent, resulting in a qualification for the final. And if India win one and draw the other, they would want the Islanders to hold Aussies to at least one draw in their impending two-Test contest.