India vs Australia: Key Equations for the Cricket World Cup

Australia vs India: A Crucial Duel with Major Implications

The clash between Australia and India, in itself, is a sporting event of great relevance. However, with the final of the World Test Cricket Championship on the horizon in June, the situation becomes even more momentous for both teams. The upcoming series, along with the home series against England in India, will largely determine their chances of qualification.

India

Games played: 4, Points: 360, Percentage of points: 75 India has two pending series in the current cycle, against Australia and England. Both are four-match test series, which means the points 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, and their points percentage to 70. This means that the goal for India is to exceed 70% to stay ahead of New Zealand.

To achieve this, India needs at least 150 points, out of the 240 offered 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 strong home record, they will have a good chance of getting all the points against England; this will mean they will need at least one win, or three draws, in the four tests in Australia to reach that target of 150 points.

Yes, for example, if India loses against Australia by a margin of 1-2, they will need 110 points from the series against England. Since a win will award 30 points and a draw 10, the only way they can reach 110 is if they win all four matches.

Australia

Games played: 3, Points: 296, Percentage of points: 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, their goal will be to surpass 336. Given that the series against South Africa is expected to be three tests, there will be 40 points at stake for a win and 13 for a draw.

Despite numerous injury concerns, Australia is still in a strong position, thanks to the points tally they have 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 boost them to 422 points, and just above New Zealand’s reach. If they lose 1-2 against India, Australia will need a 2-0 series verdict against South Africa to stay above 70%.