The race for places in the World Test Championship (WTC) final is heating up as four teams – South Africa, India, Australia and Sri Lanka – are currently in the running. South Africa currently leads the WTC table ahead of Australia and India in second and third place. India and Australia are currently locked in a five-match series with the score tied 1-1 after two Tests. South Africa, on the other hand, will play two tests at home against Pakistan starting Boxing Day (December 26).

For those inexperienced: Australia will then play two more tests, away against Sri Lanka.

On Saturday, play on the first day of the third Test between Australia and India at the Gabba in Brisbane was abandoned due to bad weather.

However, the forecast for the remaining days in Brisbane is not encouraging and there is a possibility that the game could end in a draw.

In this case, the series will be even with two games remaining in Melbourne and Sydney respectively.

Here’s how India can qualify for the WTC if the Brisbane Test fails to produce a result:

If India wins in Melbourne and Sydney, they will qualify for the WTC final without depending on other results.

If India wins the series 2-1, Sri Lanka will have to avoid a whitewash against Australia.

If India draws the series 2-2, Sri Lanka will have to beat Australia in the series by a comfortable margin.

If India draws the series 1-1, Sri Lanka will have to draw or beat Australia.

India will be out of the race if they lose the series by a margin.

Meanwhile, Australia ended the first day in Brisbane 28-0 with Usman Khawaja not out on 19 and Nathan McSweeney on four after India captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to field.

Only 13.2 overs were bowled during the first session and there was no further play, much to the disappointment of the large crowd that had flocked to the Gabba.

To make up for lost time, the game will resume at 5:20 am IST, 30 minutes earlier than scheduled. If possible, a total of 98 overs can be bowled on Day 2.

(With AFP inputs)