Australia are on a collision course for a likely World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa.
The Proteas are in the box seat to qualify for their first WTC decider after sealing a 2-0 series win at home against Sri Lanka.
After Australia briefly reclaimed their position on top of the Test championship table when they smashed India by 10 wickets in Adelaide, South Africa took that spot with an 109-run triumph in Gqeberha.
The Proteas need to win just one of their remaining two Tests in this WTC cycle, both at home against Pakistan, to book their place in the final.
Sri Lanka remain a mathematical chance to qualify for the final at Lord's next year, but would have to beat Australia 2-0 in February and rely on other results falling their way.
India appeared to be tracking towards a third-straight appearance in the final before their historic 3-0 loss at home against New Zealand.
Rohit Sharma's team need to win all three remaining Border-Gavaskar Tests, which would mean an unprecedented 4-1 win in Australia, to guarantee qualification.
If Australia regain the Border-Gavaskar trophy for the first time since 2014/15, they would almost certainly book their spot in the decider as they attempt to defend the title they won in 2023.
But Australia could still qualify even if the series against India is drawn 2-2, with two Tests in Sri Lanka to play early next year.
Australia travelled to Brisbane on Tuesday to prepare for the third Test against India, starting on Saturday at the Gabba.
Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood completed a lengthy bowling session on Adelaide Oval as he presses his case to return after missing the second Test due to a side strain.
India preferred to train in the Adelaide Oval nets before flying to Queensland on Wednesday.
It was a light session for the Indian bowling group, but their batters, including under-pressure captain Rohit, worked hard.
India are pondering whether to shift him back to the top of the order after he struggled at No.6 in Adelaide on his return from parental leave.
KL Rahul, who starred in Perth, continued opening with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the second Test, even when Rohit was declared fit to play.
WTC TABLE:
1. South Africa
2. Australia
3. India
4. Sri Lanka
5. England
6. New Zealand
7. Pakistan
8. Bangladesh
9. West Indies.
