A traditionalist like Steve Smith dancing down the wicket to clear the infield against Mohammed Siraj, and the hard-hitting Mitchell Marsh earning a batting promotion, proved that Australia had a declaration in mind. Perhaps the declaration could have come earlier, but in hindsight, various scenarios can now be speculated upon.

In the scenario where the Border-Gavaskar series ends 2-2 and Australia wins both matches against Sri Lanka, India can still secure their WTC Final spot if Pakistan defeats South Africa 2-0 in their series.

The rain-interrupted third Test between India and Australia ended in a draw here on Wednesday, leaving the series tied 1-1 going into the penultimate Test in Melbourne. India were eight for no loss with Yashasvi Jaiswal (4) and KL Rahul (4) at the crease in their chase of 275 when bad light and rain forced an early tea.