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

Australia vs. India: A Crucial Duel with Major Implications

The clash between Australia and India is much more than a simple sporting event; it’s a high-stakes cricket series with significant consequences, especially with the World Test Championship (WTC) final on the horizon in June. The outcome of this series, along with India’s home series against England, will significantly influence both teams’ chances of qualification. New Zealand’s recent victory over the West Indies has positioned them in third place in the championship table. If they achieve the same success against Pakistan, both Australia and India will have to work hard to stay above them.

Situation of India

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 consisting of four test matches. This means that the points allocation for both series 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 count will rise to 420, with a points percentage of 70%. This sets 70% as the target India must surpass 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 excellent home record, they 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 test matches in Australia to reach the 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. Since a win awards 30 points and a draw 10, the only way they can reach 110 is by winning all four matches.

Situation of Australia

Australia has played 3 series, accumulating 296 points, with a points percentage of 82.22%. Australia currently has 296 points and needs to surpass 420 to have a points percentage above 70%, if the series against South Africa takes place. If that series is canceled, their goal will be to surpass 336. Given that the series against South Africa is expected to be three test matches, there will be 40 points available per victory and 13 per draw.

Despite numerous injury concerns, Australia remains in a solid position, thanks to the points it has already 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 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%.