Australia’s Travis Head bats on Day 1 of the fourth Test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. (AP)

The fourth Test match between Australia and India got underway on Thursday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground with the series locked at 1-1. Both teams are now striving to catch up with South Africa in the World Test Championship standings.
LIVE: India vs Australia 4th Test
South Africa will get their quest to seal a spot in the WTC Final underway on Thursday against Pakistan in a two-match series. The Proteas had taken top spot after securing a series victory against Sri Lanka. The win made them the favorites to reach the WTC Final at Lord’s.

Meanwhile, England’s 2-1 series win over New Zealand had eliminated the Black Caps from contention. The result occurred despite New Zealand’s victory in the final Test.
Currently, South Africa, Australia, India, and Sri Lanka are the only teams still vying for a spot in the World Test Championship Final. Sri Lanka’s hopes depend on favorable outcomes, including a strong performance in their upcoming two-match series against Australia in January.
South Africa’s upcoming two home games against Pakistan are crucial for their campaign. Continued success would solidify their place in the World Test Championship Final, regardless of other teams’ results.

CURRENT WORLD TEST CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS

Australia, the reigning WTC champions, briefly reclaimed the top spot after India’s series loss to New Zealand. However, their loss in Perth saw India regain the lead.
South Africa’s victory in the first Test against Sri Lanka temporarily pushed Australia down to third place. Australia’s win in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide returned them to the top, but South Africa quickly reclaimed the number one spot.

WORLD TEST CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS IF INDIA WIN BOXING DAY TEST

With the Border-Gavaskar series level at 1-1 after the draw in Brisbane, Australia remain well-positioned for a top-two finish. Their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka for two additional Tests provides further opportunities to secure their place in the final, even if the series against India ends in a 2-2 draw.
India initially slipped in the World Test Championship standings after a 3-0 whitewash at home against New Zealand in October. However, they revived their hopes of reaching the final at Lord’s with a victory against Australia in Perth.

WORLD TEST CHAMPIONSHIP IF AUSTRALIA WIN BOXING DAY TEST

India’s comprehensive performance in Perth, with contributions from both batters and bowlers, strengthened their prospects of a third consecutive appearance in the World Test Championship Final. However, their subsequent 10-wicket loss to Australia in the second Test pushed them back down to third place in the standings.
India face a challenging, but not impossible, path to qualification. Winning their remaining two matches against Australia would guarantee their spot in the final. Any other outcome would make their qualification dependent on other results.

WORLD TEST CHAMPIONSHIP IF BOXING DAY TEST ENDS IN DRAW

The current World Test Championship scenario presents an exciting and complex race to the final. Four teams are still in contention, and the upcoming matches will be crucial in determining which two teams will compete at Lord’s.