WTC 2023-25: Gabba Test Draw Keeps India's WTC Final Hopes Alive

The third Test match played at the Gabba ground in Brisbane ended on a draw due to rain. On the last day of the match, Australia's team lost 7 wickets within 89 runs and declared the innings. He set a target of 275 runs against India, in which more than 50 overs were to be played. However, rain stopped the game in the third over of the start of India's innings, and the match ended in a draw.

After this draw, both India and Australia got 4-4 points. In the points table of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25, Australia occupies the second position and India occupies the third position. However, the win percentage of both teams has decreased.

India's path to the WTC final

Now India will have to win the next two Tests so that they can reach the WTC final without the help of any other team. If India loses one of these Tests, they will have to rely on Sri Lanka's performance. Apart from this, if Pakistan wins both the Tests against South Africa, then India's situation can be more difficult.

Australia, on the other hand, need to win the remaining two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Even if they lose, they can qualify for the WTC final despite a clean sweep at the hands of Sri Lanka.

South Africa need just one win to reach the WTC final. Under the captaincy of Temba Bavuma, his team has not lost a single Test so far.

Ashwin retires from Test cricket

If India reaches the WTC final, whether they face South Africa or defending champions Australia, it will be without Ashwin. In the post-match press conference, along with skipper Rohit Sharma, R Ashwin announced his retirement from Test cricket.

The 38-year-old's decision has come into effect immediately. Ashwin is the highest wicket-taker in WTC history. He has taken 195 wickets in 41 Tests. He is followed by Nathan Lyon (190 wickets) and Pat Cummins (189 wickets).

This news has shocked the fans, but Ashwin's move is going to bring a big change in Indian cricket.