India's WTC Hopes Hinge on a Sri Lanka Series Win
India will begin their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka on Saturday, August 15, in Galle, with the chance to strengthen their World Test Championship (WTC) hopes.
With less than a year left before the WTC final, India needs a series win to qualify.
The series against Sri Lanka is a crucial opportunity for India to gain valuable points.
India are currently fifth in the WTC standings with a points percentage of 48.15, while Sri Lanka are sixth with 41.67.
A series win will help India move closer to fourth-placed Bangladesh, who have a points percentage of 58.33.
Bangladesh face a difficult schedule ahead, hosting the West Indies before travelling to Australia for a challenging Test series.
If India win the Sri Lanka series, they can earn up to 24 points.
Their total will rise to 76 points after 11 Tests, and their points percentage will improve to 57.58.
A 2-0 clean sweep will also reduce Sri Lanka's points percentage to 27.78.
Even with a 2-0 win over Sri Lanka, India cannot move into the top three, with New Zealand currently third on 72.22 points percentage.
A series draw would take India's points to 68, improving their points percentage to 51.51.
Sri Lanka's points percentage would drop to 33.33 in that case.
A home whitewash would reduce Sri Lanka's points percentage to 27.78, leaving them just ahead of seventh-placed England.
England currently have four wins from 13 Tests and a points percentage of 24.36.
The outcome of the series will have significant implications for India's WTC chances.
With a series win, India can strengthen their hold on fifth place and move above Bangladesh into fourth if they lose their upcoming series against Australia.
The next two matches will be crucial in determining India's WTC prospects.
Source: Yahoo Sports