Gautam Gambhir, Rohit Sharma's WTC dream gets a lift after england beats New Zealand

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Brydon Carse, playing his third Test for England, took 10 wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings, as England defeated New Zealand by eight wickets at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Sunday. This victory gave England a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. While the win did little to boost England's chances of reaching the World Test Championship final, it significantly benefited India. Currently competing in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, India reclaimed the top spot in the WTC points table after bouncing back from a rare 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand at home. India triumphed over Australia by a record 295-run margin in Perth, bringing their record to nine wins from 15 matches and a PCT of 61.11. South Africa, who defeated Sri Lanka by 233 runs in Durban, are second with a PCT of 59.3, while Australia follows in third place with a PCT of 57.7.

New Zealand's loss to England has opened a potential path for India to reach the World Test Championship final. After India's humbling defeat to New Zealand at home, their chances of making the WTC final for the third consecutive time seemed slim. To keep their hopes alive, India had to avoid losing the Border-Gavaskar series or at least secure more than one draw against Australia. Despite the odds, India made a remarkable turnaround, winning the series opener in Australia, which led many experts to revise their predictions in favor of the visitors.Heading into the series, India needed a PCT of at least 64.9 to secure a spot in the final. However, New Zealand's loss to England changed the scenario. Now, even a PCT of 59.6 — achieved by a 3-1 victory in Australia — could see India qualify, provided South Africa whitewash Sri Lanka at home. If India manages a 3-2 win in Australia, they would still need Sri Lanka to hold Australia to at least one draw when they host the Pat Cummins-led side in January. In this case, India would finish with a PCT of 58.8, while Australia would be unable to surpass 57, allowing India to qualify for the final alongside South Africa. Should the Border-Gavaskar series end in a 2-2 draw, India would need Sri Lanka to defeat Australia 1-0 or by a greater margin, which would leave India with a PCT of 55.3, while Australia’s PCT would remain below 53.5, securing India’s place in the final.