India Needs 5 Wins: WTC Calculator and Challenge vs Australia

Australia vs. India: A Crucial Clash with World Test Championship Perspectives

The clash between Australia and India transcends the category of a simple sporting encounter; it stands as a series of great relevance, with significant implications that go beyond the immediate result. Both teams compete not only for victory in each match, but also for an advantageous position on the road to the final of the World Test Championship, scheduled for June. New Zealand’s triumph over the West Indies, with a score of 2-0, has propelled them to third place in the championship standings. If New Zealand repeats this feat against Pakistan, both Australia and India will face the task of maintaining their position in the table.

India in the Race for Qualification

India has played four series, accumulating 360 points and a points percentage of 75%. It still has two series pending in the current cycle, against Australia and England, both consisting of four tests, which implies the same points allocation: 30 for a win and 10 for a draw. If New Zealand gets the maximum points in their series against Pakistan, their total will rise to 420, with a percentage of 70%. India will have to surpass this percentage to secure their position above New Zealand.

To achieve this, India needs at least 150 points out of the 240 available in these two series. This can be achieved in two ways: by winning five matches or by winning four and drawing three.

Given India’s exceptional home performance, they have a good chance of getting the maximum points against England. This means they will need at least one win, or three draws, in the four matches against Australia to reach the 150 points needed.

For example, if India loses against Australia with a score of 1-2, they will need 110 points in the series against England. The only way to reach this figure is by winning all four matches, as a victory grants 30 points and a draw, 10.

Australia Seeking Consolidation

Australia has played three series, accumulating 296 points and a points percentage of 82.22%. They need to surpass 420 points to achieve a percentage higher than 70%, in case the series against South Africa is played. If this series is canceled, their goal will be to surpass 336 points. Since the series against South Africa would consist of three tests, 40 points would be awarded for a win and 13 for a draw.

Despite injury concerns, Australia is in a favorable position, thanks to accumulated points. If the series against India ends 2-2, Australia will add 356 points, with a percentage of 74.17%. Even a 1-0 victory against South Africa would boost them to 422 points, surpassing New Zealand. If they lose 1-2 against India, Australia will need a 2-0 victory against South Africa to stay above 70%.