Australia vs. India: A Key Duel with Major Implications
The series between Australia and India is a major event in itself. However, with the World Test Championship (WTC) final in June, the encounter takes on an even greater dimension for both teams. New Zealand’s recent 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.The Ranking Landscape for India
India has played four series, accumulating 360 points and a percentage of 75. It still has two series to play in the current cycle: against Australia and England, both of four tests.Each series awards the same number of points: 30 for a win and 10 for a draw. If New Zealand gets the maximum points against Pakistan, their total will rise to 420, with a percentage of 70.
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To secure their place above New Zealand, India needs to surpass that 70%. This implies obtaining at least 150 points out of the 240 available in the remaining two series.
India could achieve this by winning five matches or, failing that, by winning four and drawing three. Given their strong home record, India has a good opportunity to score points against England. This would mean they would need at least one win or three draws in the four matches against Australia to reach their goal.For example, if India loses against Australia by a margin of 1-2, they will need 110 points in the series against England. The only way to achieve this would be by winning all four matches.
The Situation in Australia
Australia has played three series, with 296 points and a percentage of 82.22. It needs to exceed 420 points to maintain a percentage above 70%, assuming the series against South Africa takes place. If this series is canceled, its goal will be to exceed 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.
