The series might have been sealed, but the job is yet to be done. India needs to win the IND vs ENG Dharamshala Test to stay on top of the World Test Championship (WTC Points Table). Though the conditions are stacked for India, but an extreme result can prove to be costly for India.
Not just the IND vs ENG 5th Test, the dynamics of the NZ vs AUS 2nd Test also comes into play. This is mainly because New Zealand and Australia occupy the 2nd and 3rd position on the WTC Standings. India have to avoid defeat against England at all costs to stay on top of the WTC Standings.
![](jpg/ind-vs-eng-strip-416x62.jpg)
Scenario 1 – India Loses IND vs ENG 5th Test
What happens if India loses the IND vs ENG 5th Test? There is still a chance for Team India to retain top spot despite a draw. Under such circumstances, India will have to hope that the NZ vs AUS 2nd Test results in a draw. Then India remains first, while Australia take 2nd spot.
Scenario 2 – India draws Dharamshala Test
A draw in the Dharamshala Test also won’t be favourable. Under such conditions, however wins the NZ vs AUS 2nd Test takes the top spot in the standings. Rohit Sharma and Co will however, remain on the second spot.
Scenario 3 – India wins 5th Test in Dharamshala
This will arguably be the most beneficial result for India. If India clinch the series 4-1, the hosts won’t be bothered with the result of the other game. In such a circumstance, neither New Zealand nor Australia will be able to topple India to take the top spot.