India vs Australia: Cricket World Cup Requirements

Australia vs. India: A Key Duel with Major Implications

The series between Australia and India is a major sporting event. However, its importance goes beyond the individual match, as it has a significant impact on the qualification for the final of the World Test Cricket Championship in June. New Zealand’s 2-0 victory over the West Indies puts them in third place in the championship table. If they repeat the result against Pakistan, both Australia and India will have to work hard to stay above them.

India’s Outlook

India has played four series, accumulating 360 points with a points percentage of 75%. They have two series remaining in the current cycle, against Australia and England, both consisting of four test matches. The point allocation is the same for both series: 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 if India wins five matches or if it wins four and draws three.

Given India’s impressive home record, they will have a good opportunity to get all the points against England, which means they will need at least one win or three draws in the four test matches 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 awards 30 points and a draw, 10.

Situation of Australia

Australia has played three series, with 296 points and a points percentage of 82.22%. Australia needs to surpass 420 points to have a points percentage greater than 70%, if the series against South Africa is played. If that series is canceled, their goal will be to surpass 336 points. Since the series against South Africa is expected to consist of three test matches, there will be 40 points at stake for a win and 13 for a draw.

Despite numerous injury concerns, Australia remains in a solid position, thanks to the accumulated points. If the series against India ends 2-2, Australia will have 356 points, with a percentage of 74.17%. From there, even a 1-0 series against South Africa will boost them to 422 points, surpassing New Zealand. If they lose 1-2 against India, Australia will need a 2-0 series victory against South Africa to stay above 70%.