Percentage of points earned from matches contested will be used to separate the two finalists from the rest, says a report by ESPNcricinfo, as ICC try and arrive at a fair solution for the inaugural World Test Championship cycle, affected by COVID-19 pandemic.
The report further states, the ICC's cricket committee has mooted this option in order to host the scheduled Lord's final in June 2021. However, such a recommendation will need a final approval from the governing body's chief executive committee next week. The last quarterly meeting of the ICC begins on Monday (November 16).
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"Finalists for the World Test Championship (WTC) will be decided by the percentage of points they have earned from those they have actually contested for," the report said.
It is understood, the idea of considering matches that remain postponed as draws and sharing points for them, was also put forward but didn't find any supporters.
India, currently at the top of the points table with 360 points, have two very important series coming up if the new proposal is adopted.
"If India lose all four Tests against Australia (away) and win all five against England (home), they’ll get to 480 points and 66.67 per cent," states the report.
"If they win all five against England and lose 3-1 to Australia, they’ll have 510 points and 70.83 per cent (marginally ahead of New Zealand’s maximum possible score)."
“If India win 5-0 against England and lose 2-0 to Australia, they’ll have 500 points and 69.44 per cent. So even two draws in Australia will not be enough for India if New Zealand sweep 240 points at home."
New Zealand seem to be in the strongest position to be able to make the Lord's trip. If they can whitewash both Pakistan and West Indies in the forthcoming home summer, the Black Caps will be at 420 points, i.e 70 per cent, and will finish within the top 2.
Australia (296) and England (292) are second and third in the points table after India.
(Inputs from PTI)
