The ongoing ICC World Test Championship Final between Australia and India at The Oval has reached a crucial stage, with all possible results still on the table. As the contest enters its fourth day, the prospect of the match ending in a draw remains a distinct possibility, leaving fans and experts curious about the outcome in such a scenario.
According to item 16.3.3 of the Playing Conditions for the World Test Championship Final, if the match concludes as a draw, both teams will be declared joint winners of the prestigious tournament. This means that the coveted ICC World Test Championship mace will be shared between Australia and India, signifying their equal standing in the pinnacle of Test cricket.
Furthermore, in the event of a draw, the prize money will be distributed equally among the two finalists. This ensures that both teams receive recognition for their outstanding performances throughout the tournament and share in the rewards of their hard-fought journey to the final.
Although a reserve day has been designated for the Final on Monday, the chances of the match extending into a sixth day appear slim at this stage. The contest has witnessed uninterrupted play over the first three-and-a-half days, and the weather in London has surprisingly cooperated, considering the unpredictable nature of early summer in England.
While there is a slight possibility of showers on Sunday afternoon, the Playing Conditions allow for a maximum of one hour of lost playing time to be made up by extending the scheduled close of play. In the event that more than an hour is lost, the reserve day will be activated, and the additional time available will solely comprise the duration lost due to rain or bad light.
