India vs Australia: Keys to the Cricket World Cup Final

The Australia vs. India Clash: Much More Than a Series

The clash between Australia and India is a major sporting event, but with the World Test Championship final on the horizon in June, the importance is elevated for both teams. New Zealand’s 2-0 victory against the West Indies propels them to third place in the championship table. If they repeat that performance 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 to play in the current cycle, against Australia and England. Both are four-test series, which means the points allocation 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 total will rise to 420, and their points percentage will be 70%. This means India’s goal is to 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: if India wins five matches, or if it wins four (120) and draws three (30).

Given India’s exceptional home record, they will have a good chance of getting all the points against England. This will mean they will need at least one win, or three draws, in the four Tests in Australia to reach that 150-point target.

For example, if India loses to Australia by a margin of 1-2, they will need 110 points from the series against England. Since a win will award 30 points and a draw 10, the only way to reach 110 is by winning all four matches.

Australia Seeking Consolidation

Australia has played 3 series, accumulating 296 points, with a points percentage of 82.22%. Currently, they need 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 be three tests, there will be 40 points at stake for a win and 13 for a draw.

Despite numerous injury concerns, Australia is in a strong position, thanks to the accumulated points. If the series against India ends 2-2, Australia will be at 356 points, with 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 series victory against South Africa to stay above 70%.