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, becoming a series of high importance, with much at stake, especially with the final of the World Test Cricket Championship on the horizon in June. New Zealand’s triumph over the West Indies team, with a score of 2-0, has propelled them to third place in the championship table. If they manage to repeat this feat against Pakistan, both Australia and India will have to redouble their efforts to maintain their position.

India Classification Insights

India has participated in 4 series, accumulating 360 points and a percentage of 75%. They have two series left in the current cycle: against Australia and against England. Both are four-test series, which means the same point allocation: 30 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 percentage of 70%. Therefore, India must surpass that 70% to stay 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.

Considering India’s impressive home record, they have a good chance of getting all the points against England. This would mean they will need at least one win or three draws in the four tests in Australia to reach 150 points.

Yes, for example, if India loses against Australia with a margin of 1-2, they will need 110 points from 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.

Situation of Australia

Australia has played 3 series, with 296 points and a percentage of 82.22%. 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 surpass 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 injury concerns, Australia is in a solid position thanks to accumulated points. 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, surpassing New Zealand. If they lose 1-2 against India, Australia will need a 2-0 victory against South Africa to stay above 70%.