Rohit, Kohli's India Out Of WTC Final? What If Boxing Day Test vs Australia Ends In A Draw

Rohit and Kohli failed again in a run chase [Source: AP]

In an interesting turn of events, the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test between India and Australia is heading towards a draw. Despite losing more than half of their side for 91 runs, Australia posted a respectable score of 234 runs in their second innings, with the last batting pair of Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland adding 61 runs for the final wicket. 

In response, India had a disastrous start to their innings, losing Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli in quick succession before the lunch break. However, the gritty duo of Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased remarkable resilience, frustrating the Aussies with some dodged resistance. 

Regarded as India's two finest stroke players, Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant played according to the situation, as the visitors set the tone for a fighting draw at MCG. But will a drawn affair keep India's WTC final hopes alive? 

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India's WTC final qualification scenario if Boxing Day Test ends in a draw

Currently, India claim the third position with a PCT of 55.88, while Australia occupy the second spot with a PCT of 58.89. If the MCG Test ends in a draw, both teams will earn four points each, taking their respective tallies to 118 and 110, respectively. 

So, India's PCT will further be reduced to 54.62, while Australia's PCT will read 57.29. In such a scenario, the upcoming Test in Sydney will be a must-win affair for India to keep themselves alive in the WTC final race. 

If India draw the MCG Test and win the SCG encounter, their PCT will be increased to 57.01. On the other hand, if Australia lose in Sydney, it will further reduce their PCT to 53.92. In that case, they will need to defeat Sri Lanka in both Tests to qualify for the World Test Championship final in Lord's next year. 

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