India vs Australia: Requirements for the WTC Final; 5 Key Victories

Australia vs India: A Clash with Major Implications

The series between Australia and India, by itself, is a sporting event of great relevance. However, with the World Test Championship (WTC) final in June, the context becomes even more crucial for both teams. New Zealand’s 2-0 victory against the West Indies puts them in third place in the championship table. If they repeat that result against Pakistan, both Australia and India will have to work hard to stay above them.

India’s Outlook

India has played 4 series, accumulating 360 points with a points percentage of 75%. India has two series remaining in the current cycle, against Australia and England. Both are four-match series, which means the point 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 count will rise to 420, with a points percentage of 70%. This means that India’s goal is to surpass that 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: by winning five matches or by winning four and drawing three.

Considering India’s strong 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 matches in Australia to reach that target of 150 points.

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 will grant 30 points and a draw 10, the only way to reach 110 is by winning all four matches.

Situation of Australia

Australia has played 3 series, with 296 points and a percentage of 82.22%. Australia needs to surpass 420 points to have a points 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 matches, there will be 40 points available per victory and 13 per draw.

Despite multiple injury concerns, Australia remains in a strong position, thanks to accumulated points. If the series against India ends 2-2, Australia will have 356 points, with a percentage of 74.17%. From there, even a 1-0 series against South Africa will boost 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%.