Team India’s thrilling six-run victory against England at The Oval resulted in a 2-2 series draw. However, their slow over-rate on day four might cost them crucial WTC points, impacting their chances of direct qualification for the final.
As Team India concluded their 45-day Test tour of England with a memorable 2-2 series draw following a thrilling six-run victory at the Oval in London, the Shubman Gill-led side is likely to lose valuable World Test Championship (WTC) points, which might affect their chances of qualifying directly for the final.
Heading into the final day, the Oval Decider was hanging in the balance with England needing 35 runs to chase down the 374-run target and clinch the series 3-1, and India, on the other hand, were four wickets away from victory and leveling the series. However, visitors managed to pull off a dramatic victory to deny England a Test series win.
On the final day, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna shared four wickets, with the former completing his second fifer of the series, to help Team India bundle out the hosts for 367 and secure a thrilling six-run win, leveling the series 2-2.
India’s WTC Points at Stake after referee’s slow over-rate warning
Team India might have won the Oval Decider, which resulted in the 2-2 series draw, but the visitors might be docked crucial WTC points for their slow over-rate on the fourth day of the series finale.
According to the report by Dainik Jagran, Gautam Gambhir, Shubman Gill, and the entire team management were discussing the strategy for the final day of the Oval Test when the match referee Jeff Crowe sent a message to Team India that they were six overs behind the scheduled time. If visitors were unable to improve their over-rate, then they would be penalised four points.
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Following the warning from the match referee, Gautam Gambhir had another strategic meeting, where it was discussed that Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar should be put on both ends after Prasidh Krishna’s first over bowling in order to improve the slow over-rate and avoid getting docked crucial WTC points.
On the final day of the Oval Decider, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna took 9.2 overs to bundle out England for 367, but despite their efforts, Team India failed to make up the lost overs in time.
Gambhir and Gill chose to ignore for victory
Despite a warning from the match referee about their slow over-rate, Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill reportedly chose to prioritize the match situation rather than speeding up, focusing on securing the historic win rather than avoiding the penalty.
As per a report by Dainik Jagran, Gautam Gambhir took a bold stand, stating that he does not mind losing the WTC points as the victory was more important for Team India.
“I don’t care about the over rate. If we lose four points, so be it. We are playing to win.” India’s head coach reportedly said.
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Following the Oval Decider victory and the series draw, Team India moved to third spot with 28 points and has 46.67% PCT (Points Percentage). However, the possible deduction of four points for the slow over-rate could dent their chances of direct WTC final qualification.