World Test Championship Scenario For All Teams: How India, Australia, Others Can Qualify For Final

Things are getting tight at the top of the ICC World Test Championship standings with just 15 per cent separating the top two teams, India and Australia and the chance of them repeating the 2023 title clash remains a distinct possibility. Sri Lanka, South Africa and New Zealand remain in contention of claiming a coveted top two spot in the standings and a place at next year's one-off Test at Lord's.

Here is a look at the state of play as the championship reaches its business end:

First - India - 62.82 per cent of possible points

Remaining series: New Zealand (home, one Test), Australia (away, five Tests)

Best possible finish: 74.56 per cent.

The two-time World Test Championship runners-up were looking good for a place at next year's final, but consecutive slip-ups at home against New Zealand have left the door open for opposition sides.

While Rohit Sharma's team still maintains a narrow lead at the top of the standings, another loss in the third Test against the Black Caps will see them travel to Australia next month needing to win at least four of their matches Down Under to ensure qualification, as per ICC.

Regardless of what happens in Mumbai against New Zealand, the five-match series against Australia at the end of the year will be pivotal for India and their chances of reaching a third straight World Test Championship final.

Second - Australia - 62.50 per cent of possible points

Remaining series: India (home, five Tests), Sri Lanka (away, two Tests)

Best possible finish: 76.32 per cent

Reigning World Test Championship winners Australia are on track for a second consecutive appearance in the final, but Pat Cummins' side will still need to win a minimum of four of their remaining seven Tests if they are to defend