The Indian cricket team’s road to the World Test Championship (WTC) final got a bit complicated as their third Test match against Australia ended in a draw in Brisbane on Wednesday. The game was marred by rain disruptions and poor light conditions, which halted play shortly after the final session on day five. The two captains and referees decided to abandon the game. With this result, India now has a tough road ahead to secure their place in the WTC final, with South Africa, Sri Lanka and Australia also on their heels.

If India wins both remaining matches, Rohit Sharma and Co. will book their place in the WTC final regardless of the other results. If the series ends 2-1 in India’s favor, they will qualify provided Sri Lanka beats Australia 1-0 in their two-match series or the series ends 1-1. If the series ends 2-2 and India and Australia win a game each in the two upcoming matches, the road becomes a little more difficult. In this case, Sri Lanka will need to win their Test series 2-0 against Australia to help India’s cause. These conditions apply in the event that Pakistan loses a match against South Africa in their Test series.

If the Border-Gavaskar series ends 2-2 and Australia wins both matches against Sri Lanka, India can still book their place in the WTC final if Pakistan beat South Africa 2-0 in their two-match Test series.

The rain-disrupted third Test between India and Australia ended in a draw here on Wednesday, leaving the series tied 1-1 ahead of the penultimate Test in Melbourne.

India were eight unbeaten with Yashasvi Jaiswal (4) and KL Rahul (4) at the crease in their hunt for 275 when poor light and rain forced an early tea.

Australia made a bold statement at 89 for seven in their second innings with more than a session to spare.

India pacer Jasprit Bumrah led the show with 3/18 in his six overs, well supported by Mohammed Siraj (2/35 in 7 overs) and Akash Deep (2/28).

Skipper Pat Cummins’ surprise move came after the 18th over when they declared the innings as a two-way score, which seemed realistic with more than 50 possible overs in the final session.

During the third test there were several rain interruptions over the five days.

Earlier, India had gone all out for 260 in response to Australia’s 445.

India continued the day at 252 for nine, adding eight runs in 24 balls. Australia gained a 185-run lead in the first innings after Akash Deep was undone by the bowling of Travis Head in the 79th over.

(With PTI inputs)