Mon Dec 30 15:13:06 UTC 2024: ## India’s World Test Championship Hopes Dented by Crushing Australia Defeat
**Melbourne, Australia –** India’s chances of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final suffered a significant blow after a resounding 184-run defeat to Australia in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The loss dropped India to 52.77 points percentage, leaving them vulnerable to elimination.
Australia, meanwhile, strengthened their position with a dominant victory, boosting their points percentage to 61.45. With South Africa already securing a place in the final, Australia needs only a draw or a win in the final Test, starting January 3rd in Sydney, to eliminate India from contention. A win for India in the final test would keep their hopes alive, but a draw or Australian victory leaves India out of the running for the final.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy concludes with the fifth and final Test in Sydney from January 3rd to 7th. The outcome will be crucial in determining the final two teams competing for the WTC title at Lord’s next year.
First Piper 