India vs Australia: How to qualify for the Cricket World Cup? WTC Analysis

Australia vs. India: A Duel with Major Implications

The series between Australia and India is a major sporting event in its own right. However, with the final of the World Test Cricket Championship on the horizon, the significance of this competition is amplified for both teams. New Zealand’s recent victory over the West Indies has positioned them in third place in the championship table. If the New Zealanders repeat this success against Pakistan, both Australia and India will have to work hard to maintain their position.

India: Rating Outlook

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 series consist of four test matches, which implies the same point allocation: 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%. This means that India will have 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 be achieved in two ways: by winning five matches or by winning four and drawing three.

With India’s exceptional 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 test matches in Australia to reach 150 points.

If, for example, India loses against Australia with a score 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: Current Situation

Australia has played 3 series, accumulating 296 points, with a percentage of 82.22%. Australia needs 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 exceed 336 points. Given that 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 injury concerns, Australia remains in a strong position, thanks to accumulated points. If the series against India ends 2-2, Australia will add 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 to win the 2-0 series against South Africa to stay above 70%.