India vs Australia: Key to the Cricket World Cup Final

Australia vs India: A Key Duel with Major Implications

The series between Australia and India, on its own, is a sporting event of great magnitude. However, with the final of the World Test Cricket Championship on the horizon, scheduled for June, the significance of this competition is considerably amplified for both teams. New Zealand’s 2-0 triumph over the West Indies places them in third place in the championship table. If they manage to repeat this result against Pakistan later in the season, both Australia and India will have to work hard to maintain their position.

India’s Aspirations

India has played 4 series, accumulating 360 points, with a points percentage of 75%. They still have two series left in the current cycle: against Australia and England. Both series consist of four tests, which implies the same point allocation: 30 points for a win and 10 for a draw. If New Zealand gets the maximum points in their series against Pakistan, their total will rise to 420, with a percentage of 70%. This means that India must exceed 70% 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 impressive home record, they have a good chance of getting the maximum 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 the 150 points needed.

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 to reach 110 is by winning all four matches.

The Situation in Australia

Australia has played 3 series, with 296 points and a percentage of 82.22%. Currently, they need to surpass 420 points to reach a percentage above 70%, in case the series against South Africa is played. If that series is canceled, their goal will be to surpass 336 points. Since the series against South Africa is expected to consist of three tests, 40 points will be awarded for a win and 13 for a draw.

Despite numerous injury concerns, Australia remains in a solid position, thanks to the 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, slightly surpassing New Zealand. If they lose 1-2 against India, Australia will need a 2-0 victory against South Africa to stay above 70%.