India vs Australia: Keys to the Cricket World Cup Final

Australia vs. India: A Key Duel with Major Implications

The clash between Australia and India transcends the category of a simple sporting encounter; it is a high-stakes series. Furthermore, with the World Test Championship final on the horizon in June, both teams have much to gain and lose. New Zealand’s 2-0 victory over 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.

Analysis of Classification Options

We explore what this series, along with the home India series against England, means for their qualification aspirations.

India

Series played: 4, Points: 360, Percentage of points: 75 India has two series left in the current cycle, against Australia and England. Both are four-match series, which implies 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, and their points percentage to 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 happen in two ways: if India wins five matches, or if it wins four (120) and draws three (30).

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

Yes, 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 grants 30 points and a draw 10, the only way to reach 110 is if they win all four matches.

Australia

Series played: 3, Points: 296, Percentage of points: 82.22 Australia currently has 296 points and needs to surpass 420 to have a points percentage above 70, if the series against South Africa takes place. If that series is canceled, its goal will be to surpass 336 points. Given that the series against South Africa is expected to be three tests, there will be 40 points available per victory and 13 per draw.

Despite numerous injury concerns, Australia is still in a strong position, thanks to the total points it has already accumulated. If the series against India ends 2-2, Australia will have 356 points and a percentage of 74.17. From there, even a 1-0 series against South Africa will propel them to 422 points, and just beyond the reach of New Zealand. If they lose 1-2 against India, Australia will need a 2-0 series verdict against South Africa to stay above 70%.