EXPLAINED: Why Australia Won't Be Declared Winners Despite Being Table-Toppers If WTC Final Ends In a Draw

The stage is set for the biggest Test of the year, the World Test Championship (WTC) final between the two best teams og the current cycle, India and Australia. Australia were heads and shoulders above any other side in the period having won a series in Pakistan, drawing in Sri Lanka and running India close in their own backyard while removing any opposition from the face of the earth at home. After losses in South Africa and a drawn series in England, India needed a big final push in the last series, which they got as they won four of their last six Tests, lost one and drew the remaining one.

India have made the second successful WTC final and having finished on the wrong side of the result two years ago, the Rohit Sharma-led side will be keen to go one better this time around. The inclement weather favoured New Zealand in a game that went to the reserve day and the Blackcaps proved to be too good for the Virat Kohli-led side. The reserve day is in place this time as well, however, with the weather being clear for the first three days, the match is expected to wind up in the regular five-day schedule.

But one can never rule the UK weather out and with thunderstorms predicted on Days 4 and 5 of the match, it is possible that rain might disrupt the proceedings for a longer duration and stretch the game to the reserve day. The match will only go into the reserve day if 90 overs are lost in the regular period and still a result is not possible, the trophy will be shared.

Yes, in case of a draw, tie or no result due to rain, the team ranked higher, Australia in this case, won't be declared winners as the ICC Playing Conditions state that the trophy will be shared between the two teams if there is no outcome. Therefore, the fans and both teams will try to get the majority of the play in the first three days before the impending rain threat.