The Indian cricket team has left for Melbourne for the fourth Test against Australia, starting on December 26. India has secured a draw in the third Test at Gabba, having the series balanced till now to 1-1. India suffered a total batting failure, except for KL Rahul scoring 84 at the top and Ravindra Jadeja scoring 77 in the middle. The Indian team that had conquered the Gabba fortress in the 2020-21 series fought to avoid a follow-on. The 39-run partnership between the bowling duo Jasprit Bumrah (10*) and Akash Deep (31), on Day 4, assured Australia's batting day 5, as India finished at 260 runs after Akash's wicket. Team India heads to their next battle with focus, pride, and determination! 🇮🇳✈ #TeamIndia is ready for the next episode of the #ToughestRivalry in Melbourne!#AUSvINDOnStar 4th Test 👉 THU, 26th DEC, 4:30 AM on Star Sports! pic.twitter.com/xaRaKdTfBj — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 19, 2024 Australia declared their innings after they scored 89 runs, but India managed to score just 8, before rain came in and spoiled it, ensuring a draw. Read also: Watch: Ravichandran Ashwin reaches India; wife and kids receive him India's chances to the World Test Championship India can afford a maximum of one draw to keep their hopes for the World Test Championship alive. But in that case, a lot of calculations need to be done. After the Border Gavaskar Trophy, Australia will face Sri Lanka for two away Tests starting on January 29. If India draws one here, Sri Lanka needs to draw at least one of the two Tests against Australia. What if India loses another Test in the series? It will then totally depend on Sri Lanka, as they will need to whitewash Australia. Having that, Australia will be kicked off from the WTC final qualification scenario. What should India do to avoid calculators? They should win the remaining two Tests, one in Melbourne and the last in Sydney. If India win the two Tests, they will have a Point Percentage (PCT) of 60.52%, way beyond Australia's reach even if they whitewash Sri Lanka for 2-0. On the other hand, South Africa is enjoying a top position in the World Test Championship Ranking with 63.33. They just need to win one of the two Tests against Pakistan to officially qualify for the WTC final.