India vs Australia: Crucial Requirements for the Cricket World Cup Final

Australia vs India: A Key Duel with Major Implications

The series between Australia and India, in itself, is already a major event. However, with the World Test Championship (WTC) final on the horizon in June, the encounter takes on even greater importance 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 achieve the same result against Pakistan, both Australia and India will need to strive to stay above them.

India in the Race for Qualification

India has played 4 series, accumulating 360 points, with a points percentage of 75%. India has two series remaining in the current cycle, against Australia and England. Both are four-match series, which means the points allocation is the same: 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 points percentage of 70%. This means that India’s goal is to exceed 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: if India wins five matches, or if it wins four (120) and draws three (30).

Given India’s impressive home record, they will have a good chance of getting 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 that target of 150 points.

For example, if India loses against Australia with 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 is by winning all four matches.

Australia: Position and Strategies

Australia has played 3 series, with 296 points and a points percentage of 82.22%. Australia needs to score over 420 points to have a points percentage above 70%, if the series against South Africa is played. If that series is canceled, their goal will be to surpass 336 points. Given that 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 the points accumulated. 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 boost 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%.