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

Australia vs India: A Crucial Duel with Major Implications

The series between Australia and India, by itself, is a major event. However, with the World Test Championship (WTC) final on the horizon in June, both teams have a lot at stake in terms of qualification. New Zealand’s recent 2-0 victory against 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.

The India Panorama

India has played 4 series, accumulating 360 points, with a points percentage of 75%. India has two series left in the current cycle, against Australia and England, both of four matches. This means that the points 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 score will rise to 420, with a percentage of 70%. India needs to surpass that 70% to secure their position. To achieve this, India needs at least 150 points out of the 240 available in the remaining 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 will have a good chance of getting all the points against England. This means they will need at least one win, or three draws, in the four matches against Australia to reach the 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. The only way to reach 110 points is by winning all four matches, as a win awards 30 points and a draw, 10.

The Situation in Australia

Australia has played 3 series, with 296 points and a percentage of 82.22%. Currently, Australia needs to surpass 420 points to reach a percentage above 70%, if the series against South Africa takes place. If this series is canceled, their goal will be to exceed 336 points. If the series against South Africa is three matches, 40 points will be offered for a win and 13 for a draw.

Despite injury concerns, Australia is in a solid position, thanks to accumulated points. If the series against India ends 2-2, Australia will add 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 victory against South Africa to stay above 70%.