India vs Australia: Key Requirements for the Cricket World Cup

Australia vs. India: A Key Clash with Perspectives for the World Test Championship

The series between Australia and India is a major sporting event, but on this occasion, the importance transcends the simple match. With the World Test Championship (WTC) final on the horizon in June, both teams have a lot at stake. New Zealand’s 2-0 victory against the West Indies puts them in third place in the championship table. If they achieve the same result against Pakistan, both Australia and India will have to work hard to stay above them.

India in the Race for Qualification

India has played 4 series, accumulating 360 points, with a points percentage of 75%. They still have two series ahead in the current cycle, against Australia and England. Both series consist of four test matches, which means the point allocation is the same: 30 points for a win and 10 for a draw. If New Zealand gets all the points in their series against Pakistan, their total will rise to 420, with a points percentage of 70%. This means that India must exceed 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 (120) and drawing three (30).

Given India’s strong 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 test matches in Australia to reach 150 points.

If India loses to Australia by a margin of 1-2, they will need 110 points in the series against England. The only way to reach 110 points is by winning all four matches, as a win grants 30 points and a draw, 10.

Australia: Position and Scenarios

Australia has played 3 series, scoring 296 points, with a points percentage of 82.22%. They need to surpass 420 points to achieve a percentage higher than 70%, as long as the series against South Africa takes place. If the series is canceled, their goal will be to exceed 336 points. The series against South Africa, which is expected to consist of three test matches, will award 40 points 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%. Even a 1-0 series against South Africa would 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%.