Australia vs. India: A Crucial Duel with Major Implications
The series between Australia and India transcends the value of a sporting encounter, as it holds significant weight in the overall championship landscape. With the final of the World Test Cricket Championship on the horizon, both teams are competing to secure their place. New Zealand’s recent victory over the West Indies places them in third place in the rankings. The performance of both teams in their upcoming matches will determine their position in the table.Classification Perspectives
We analyze the impact of this series, along with the home series against England, on their qualification aspirations.India
India has participated in 4 series, accumulating 360 points, which represents 75% of points. India has two series remaining in the current cycle, against Australia and England. Both are four-match 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 score will rise to 420, with a points percentage of 70%. This sets 70% as the target India must surpass 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).
For example, if India loses to 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
Australia has played 3 series, with 296 points, an 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 exceed 336. Since the South Africa series is expected to be three tests, there will be 40 points available for a win and 13 for a draw.
Despite numerous injury concerns, Australia is still holding strong, thanks to the score 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 propel them to 422 points, and just beyond the reach of New Zealand. If they lose 1-2 against India, Australia will need a 2-0 series verdict against South Africa to stay above 70%.
