Australia was left scratching their heads after they failed to qualify for the WTC 2021 final, courtesy of a defeat against India at home that snuffed out their dreams once and for all. They finished in the third spot of the points table after managing only two series wins out of four that they were a part of since the inception of the enduring WTC in 2019.
Australia’s odyssey in the inaugural edition of WTC started with the illustrious Ashes where they ended up with a 2-2 draw, a series that was also notable for the return of David Warner and Steven Smith from the infamous Sandpaper Gate.
However, they were soon up and running in the pursuit of the crown, thanks to a rippling display against New Zealand where they inflicted a sweeping defeat upon their continental rivals.
They had to produce something magical against India at home in order to stay alive in the final hunt. Things seemed to be tipped in their favour when they started off with a rollicking victory against the visitors. Unfortunately for them, India staged a strong turnaround to hand their rear on a platter despite being hovering around the fringes of a defeat in the third Test at Sydney that could very well have settled the fortunes of the series.
With India and New Zealand making it to the grand finale which is slated to happen at Southampton and already lost a day’s play, thanks to the cruel rain Gods, Australia has already started preparations for the next edition of the World Test Championship.
In this story, we will quickly take a look at Australia’s roadmap in the next World Test Championship and what are the opponents that they will have to confront in order to make the final cut.
Afghanistan’s tour of Australia 2021 (November – December)
This must be a cakewalk for the Australians as the minnows Afghanistan will travel to the beautiful lands of Australia in order to play a solitary Test match which is scheduled to happen from November 27th to December 1st at Bellerive Oval in Hobart.
The Ashes 2021-22 (December – January)
England will be travelling to Australia to duke out for the prestigious Ashes which will unfold between December and January. The first Test match will start on December 8th at Brisbane, followed by the second Test on December 16th at Adelaide. The third Test match is scheduled to be played in Melbourne from December 26th. The fourth match of the series will kickstart on January 5th in Sydney. The final rubber of the fray will start on January 14th in Perth.
Australia’s tour of Pakistan 2022 (February – March)
Australia will be shouldered with a monumental challenge when they tour Pakistan which will feature a couple of Test matches. The last time these two teams clashed in red-ball cricket, Australia inflicted a resounding sweep over Pakistan, thanks to a dominant batting display from the Australians.
Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka 2022 (June – July)
Another Asian impediment that the Aussies will have to cross will be when they come across the monumental Sri Lankans. They will be playing two Test matches against the islanders. The last time these two teams came face to face was in 2019 when Australia was successful in drubbing Sri Lanka in a humiliating fashion.
Afghanistan versus Australia in India 2022 (September)
Australia will have another crack at Afghanistan and will attempt to maximize their exploits when they clash for a solitary Test in India.
Australia’s tour of India 2022 (September – November)
Australia will be faced with an imperative challenge when they go head-on against the likes of India in the forthcoming year for 4 Test matches. It was a victory against Australia that helped India to bolster their claim on the top two. The Australians will be eyeing revenge and what better way to get it than by defeating the Indians in the latter’s backyard.
West Indies’ tour of Australia 2022 (November – December)
The Caribbeans will be touring Australia for two Test matches. It has been more than five years that these two teams have collided against each other in the longest format of the sport. Australia savoured a convincing victory against a depleted West Indies.
