India vs Australia: Crucial Calculation for the Cricket World Cup Final

Australia vs. India: A Crucial Duel with Major Implications

The clash between Australia and India transcends the category of simple competition, establishing itself as a series of great importance. In addition to the prestige at stake, this series carries significant weight in the context of the World Test Cricket Championship, whose final is approaching in June. New Zealand’s recent victory over the West Indies, with a score of 2-0, has positioned them in third place in the championship table. If New Zealand repeats this performance against Pakistan, both Australia and India will have to strive to maintain their position.

Classification Perspectives for India

India has played four series, accumulating 360 points and a points percentage of 75%. They have two series remaining in the current cycle, against Australia and England, both consisting of four test matches. The points allocation is the same for both series: 30 points for a win and 10 for a draw. If New Zealand gets all the points in their series against Pakistan, their total will rise to 420, with a percentage of 70%. This means that India must surpass that 70% to secure their position. 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 impressive home record, they have a good chance of getting full points against England. This means they will need at least one win or three draws in the four test matches in Australia to reach 150 points.

For example, if India loses against Australia with a margin of 1-2, they will need 110 points in the series against England. The only way to reach 110 points, given that a win awards 30 points and a draw 10, is by winning all four matches.

Situation in Australia

Australia has played three series, accumulating 296 points and a points percentage of 82.22%. They need to surpass 420 points to have a percentage higher than 70%, if the series against South Africa takes place. If that series is canceled, their goal will be to surpass 336 points.

Despite the challenges due to injuries, Australia remains in a solid position, thanks to the points already accumulated. If the series against India ends 2-2, Australia will add 356 points, with a percentage of 74.17%. From there, even a 1-0 series against South Africa will 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%.