Australia vs. India: A Duel with Much at Stake
The clash between Australia and India is a major sporting event, but on this occasion, the importance transcends the simple match. With the final of the World Test Cricket Championship on the horizon in June, both teams have a lot at stake in terms of qualification.
New Zealand’s recent victory over the West Indies places them in third position in the championship table. If they manage to replicate this success against Pakistan, both Australia and India will need to strive to maintain their position.
Classification Perspectives for India
India has played four series, accumulating 360 points and a percentage of 75%. They still have two crucial series remaining: against Australia and England, both consisting of four tests. This means that the points allocation is the same for both series: 30 points 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%. To secure their place, India must surpass this percentage.
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.
For example, if India loses against Australia by a margin of 1-2, they will need 110 points from the series against England. The only way to reach this figure is by winning all four matches, as a win awards 30 points and a draw, 10.
Situation in Australia
Australia, with three series played, has a total of 296 points and a percentage of 82.22%. They need to surpass 420 points to achieve a percentage higher than 70%, if the series against South Africa takes place. In case of cancellation, their goal will be to exceed 336 points.Given that the series against South Africa is expected to consist of three tests, there will be 40 points at stake for a win and 13 for a draw.
Despite injury concerns, Australia remains in a favorable 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 victory against South Africa would propel 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%.
