India vs Australia: Key Equations for the World Test Cricket Final

Australia vs India: A Crucial Duel with Clear Perspectives

The clash between Australia and India transcends the category of a simple sporting event; it is a high-caliber series with significant implications, especially with the World Test Championship (WTC) final on the horizon in June. Both teams find themselves in a crucial position, with much at stake in terms of qualification. New Zealand’s recent victory over the West Indies, with a score of 2-0, propels them to third place in the championship table. If they manage to repeat this result against Pakistan, both Australia and India will need to strive to stay above them.

Analysis of the Ranking: India

India has participated in four series, accumulating 360 points and a points percentage of 75%. They have two series remaining in the current cycle: against Australia and England. Both are four-test series, with the same point allocation: 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%. This sets 70% as the target India must surpass to secure their position above 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 exceptional home record, they have a good chance of getting all the points against England. This would mean they would need at least one win or three draws in the four tests in Australia to reach 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 the 110 points, considering that a win awards 30 points and a draw 10, is by winning all four matches.

Analysis of the Ranking: Australia

Australia has played three series, scoring 296 points and a percentage of 82.22%. They need to score over 420 points to obtain a percentage higher than 70%, assuming the series against South Africa is played. If this series is canceled, their goal will be to score over 336 points. Since the series against South Africa is expected to consist of three tests, there will be 40 points available 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, with a percentage of 74.17%. From there, even a 1-0 series against South Africa would 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%.