India Seeks 5 Key Wins vs Australia on Road to Cricket World Cup

Australia vs India: A Key Duel with Major Implications

The series between Australia and India is a major event in itself. However, with the World Test Championship (WTC) final in June, the context becomes even more crucial for both teams. New Zealand’s recent 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.

India’s Classification 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. The point allocation is the same for both series: 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%. India needs to exceed that 70% to secure their position.

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 excellent home record, they have a good chance of getting the maximum points against England. This means they will need at least one win, or three draws, in the four tests in Australia to reach their target of 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. 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, with 296 points and a percentage of 82.22%. They need to surpass 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 surpass 336 points. Since 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 in a strong position thanks to 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%.