India vs Australia: WTC Keys, 5 Key Wins for India

Australia vs. India: A Key Duel with Major Implications

The series between Australia and India, by itself, is a major event. However, with the World Test Championship (WTC) final in June, a lot is at stake for both teams in terms of qualification. New Zealand’s 2-0 victory against the West Indies propels them to third place in the championship table. If they repeat that result against Pakistan, both Australia and India will have to work hard to stay above them.

India’s Perspectives

India has played 4 series, accumulating 360 points with a percentage of 75%. They have two series left in the current cycle, against Australia and England, both of four tests. This means that 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 percentage of 70%. India needs to surpass that 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: by winning five matches or by winning four and drawing three.

Given India’s impressive 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 matches against Australia to reach that 150-point target.

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 110 points is by winning all four matches, as a win grants 30 points and a draw 10.

Situation in Australia

Australia has played 3 series, scoring 296 points with a percentage of 82.22%. They need to exceed 420 points to have a percentage above 70%, if the series against South Africa takes place. If that series is canceled, their goal will be to exceed 336 points. Since the series against South Africa 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 in a solid position thanks to the points it has already accumulated. If the series against India ends 2-2, Australia will be at 356 points, with 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 a 2-0 series win against South Africa to stay above 70%.