India vs Australia: WTC Equations, India Needs 5 Wins

Australia vs India: A Crucial Duel with Major Implications

The clash between Australia and India is a sporting event of great significance, but the current situation adds an extra layer of importance. With the final of the World Test Cricket Championship on the horizon in June, both teams have a lot at stake.

New Zealand’s recent victory over the West Indies team, with a score of 2-0, places them in third place in the championship table. If the New Zealanders repeat this achievement against Pakistan, both Australia and India will have to strive to stay above them.

Analysis of Classification Possibilities

This analysis focuses on the impact of this series and the one India will play at home against England, on their qualification aspirations.

India

Games played: 4, Points: 360, Percentage of points: 75 India has two series remaining in the current cycle, against Australia and England. Both are four-match series, which means the point allocation is the same: 30 points for a win and 10 for a draw. If New Zealand gets all the points from their series against Pakistan, their total will rise to 420, with a points percentage of 70%. This implies that India needs to exceed 70% to stay ahead of New Zealand.

To achieve this, India needs at least 150 points out of the 240 available in these two series. This can happen in two ways: if India wins five matches, or if it wins four (120) and draws three (30).

Given India’s impressive home record, they will have a good chance of getting all the 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 from the series against England. Since a win awards 30 points and a draw 10, the only way to reach 110 is by winning all four matches.

Australia

Games played: 3, Points: 296, Point percentage: 82.22 Australia currently has 296 points and needs to surpass 420 to have a points percentage above 70%, if the series against South Africa takes place. If that series is canceled, its goal will be to exceed 336 points. Since the series against South Africa is expected to be three matches, there will be 40 points available per victory and 13 per draw.

Despite multiple concerns about injuries, Australia remains in a strong position, thanks to the number of points it has already accumulated. If the series against India ends 2-2, Australia will have 356 points and a percentage of 74.17. From there, even a 1-0 series against South Africa will propel them to 422 points, surpassing New Zealand. If they lose 1-2 against India, Australia will need to win the series 2-0 against South Africa to stay above 70%.