India Needs 5 Key Wins for the Cricket World Cup: Analysis

Australia vs. India: A Key Duel with Major Implications

The clash between Australia and India, in itself, is a major sporting event. However, with the World Test Cricket Championship final on the horizon in June, the importance of this series is amplified for both teams. New Zealand’s recent victory over the West Indies places them in third place in the championship standings. If they manage to replicate that success against Pakistan, both Australia and India will need to work hard to stay above them.

India: Rating Outlook

India has played four series, accumulating 360 points with a 75% percentage. India has two series remaining in the current cycle, against Australia and England. Both consist of four tests, which implies the same point allocation: 30 points for a win and 10 for a draw. If New Zealand gets the maximum points against Pakistan, their total will rise to 420, with a percentage of 70%. This means that India must exceed 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 be achieved in two ways: by winning five matches or by winning four and drawing three.

Given India’s impressive track record as a host, they will have a good opportunity to get the maximum points against England. This will mean they will need at least one win, or three draws, in the four tests in Australia to reach 150 points.

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 awards 30 points and a draw 10, the only way to reach 110 points is by winning all four matches.

Australia: Current Situation

Australia has played three series, scoring 296 points with a percentage of 82.22%. Australia needs to surpass 420 points to reach 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. The series against South Africa, which is expected to consist of three tests, will offer 40 points for a win and 13 for a draw.

Despite numerous injury concerns, Australia remains in a favorable position, thanks to the accumulated points. 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, surpassing New Zealand. If they lose 1-2 against India, Australia will need a 2-0 victory against South Africa to stay above 70%.