Picture Credit: Twitter
India have moved to the second place in the ICC World Test Championship points table after thrashing England by 317 runs in the second Test at Chennai. The result has also helped the hosts level the four-match series 1-1 after they lost the opening fixture at the same venue. With this, the race to the ICC World Test Championship final, scheduled to be played later in the year, has become all the more interesting. While New Zealand have already qualified for the finals, India, England and Australia are still in with a chance to make it for the marquee Test to be played at Lords.
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Picture Credit: SportsTiger[/caption]
Qualification scenario for India, England and Australia
After Australia's tour of South Africa was called off owing to Coronavirus concerns, their qualification will now solely depend on the result of the ongoing India-England series. However, both the teams involved in the four-match arrangement have their destiny in their own hands. If India go on to beat England 2-1 or 3-1, they will meet the Kiwis at Lords for the World Test Championship final.
In contrast, if the visitors manage to beat the hosts 3-1, they will secure a berth for themselves in the final. But if the series is drawn (1-1 or 2-2) or England win 2-1, it will be the Aussies who will take on the Black Caps in the ICC World Test Championship final.
Ahmedabad to host first international match after revamp
After the second Test at Chennai, the teams will now head to Ahmedabad which is set to host its first international match at the Sardar Patel Stadium since November 2014. It will also be the first match at the venue since it has been restructured to boast the highest sitting capacity for a cricket stadium in the world. While the third Test will be a Day-Night affair set to commence from February 24, the fourth will be a traditional red-ball Test slated to be held at the same ground.
Given the way the series gas unfolded so far, one can expect some exciting cricket action in the remaining Tests.