DUBAI: Pakistan's loss to England in the second Test match of the series at Multan has left the race for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final wide open.
Australia are currently at the top of the standings. They are in a good position to reach the finals but there are at least four other teams in contention.
Here is how each team stands while heading into the final stages of the Championship:
1)Australia have already achieved 70 per cent of the maximum possible points they can achieve. Australia still have a series remaining against South Africa at home and India in the subcontinent. After clinching a 2-0 series win over West Indies, these are two tough challenges ahead for the Aussies.
South Africa will be a much tougher side as compared to West Indies. Pat Cummins's men will also look forward to putting up a better fight in India, where they have not won a Test series since 2004. The team faces some fitness woes, Josh Hazlewood in particular, and would like veteran opener David Warner to click in what could be his final year in the longer format.
2) South Africa: 60 per cent of possible total points
The Proteas have a Test series against Australia Down Under coming, with West Indies being their another assignment at home. After losing an away Test series to England by 2-1, they lost their top spot in the WTC standings, but they still remain in contention nonetheless.
The away series against Australia will be crucial for both the sides. South Africa's fast-bowling artillery will enjoy its time in pace-friendly Australia.
3) Sri Lanka: 53.33 per cent of possible total points
Sri Lanka can also mathematically reach the final, but they need everything to go in their favour, be it their own matches or that of others. Their next and final assignment of the current WTC cycle is an away series in New Zealand in March.
But history is not on SL's side as they have won only twice in their 19 attempts in New Zealand. Maximum points in NZ will take their win percentage of 61.1 per cent, so they will need help from other teams down the table to be able to finish in the top two.
4) India: 52.08 per cent of possible points
India are currently in Bangladesh. After this, they will have their toughest assignment in a while in the form of the the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia at home.
5) England: 44.44 per cent of possible points
England have possibly been eliminated from the World Test Championship, but they have been in exceptional form since the duo of captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum has taken over. They have managed to spoil Pakistan's chances to reach the summit clash and recent results make them a force to be reckoned with during the next Championship.
6). Pakistan: 42.42 per cent of possible points
Pakistan are left struggling at sixth place in the standings, with their hopes for reaching the final dashed by England. Even if they win the final Test against England at home and achieve a clean sweep against New Zealand at home, they will stay out of the race.
7) West Indies: 40.91 per cent of possible points
West Indies carried hopes for the final when they were heading to Australia for the two-match series. But a crushing 2-0 loss in Australia ended their journey. Now the only impact they can make is spoiling South Africa's chances for the finals by defeating them, though the Proteas will head into the series as clear favourites.
8) New Zealand: 25.93 per cent of possible points
New Zealand are out of contention for the final. The 2021 champions struggled in the current cycle. They fell to Bangladesh at home, saw Ross Taylor retire from the game and their captain Kane Williamson get sidelined with elbow issues. Even if they clinch their two-Test series against Pakistan (away) and Sri Lanka (home) respectively, they will at best finish with a percentage of 48.72, which is well short of what is needed to feature in the summit clash.
9) Bangladesh: 13.33 per cent of possible points
Bangladesh have started their home series against India, which comprises of two Tests. Their batting has been shaky, which has prevented them from progressing in the tournament. The side has failed to win any Test at home, but did surprise NZ in their den.
