India vs Australia: Requirements for World Cricket Championship Final

Australia vs. India: A Key Duel with Major Implications

The series between Australia and India is a major sporting event in its own right. However, on this occasion, the importance is amplified due to the proximity of the World Test Championship final in June. Both teams have a lot at stake, not only in the immediate competition, but also in their long-term aspirations. New Zealand’s recent victory over the West Indies, with a score of 2-0, has positioned them in third place in the championship table. If New Zealand repeats this result against Pakistan, both Australia and India will need to strive to stay above in the standings.

Situation in India

India has played 4 series, accumulating 360 points, which translates to 75% of points. India has two series remaining in the current cycle, against Australia and England. Both are four-match test series, which means the points allocation is the same: 30 points for a win and 10 for a draw. If New Zealand gets the maximum points in their series against Pakistan, their total will rise to 420, with a points percentage of 70%. This means that India’s goal is to exceed 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 excellent home record, they have a good opportunity to get the maximum points against England. This would mean they would need at least one win or three draws in the four test matches in Australia to reach their target of 150 points.

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

Situation in Australia

Australia has played 3 series, with 296 points and a points percentage of 82.22%. Currently, Australia needs to surpass 420 points to achieve a percentage of points greater than 70%, in case the series against South Africa is played. If this series is canceled, their objective will be to exceed 336 points. Given that the series against South Africa is expected to consist of three test matches, 40 points will be awarded for a win and 13 for a draw.

Despite injury problems, Australia is in a solid position, thanks to the points accumulated. If the series against India ends 2-2, Australia will add 356 points, with a percentage of 74.17%. From there, even a 1-0 series win against South Africa would boost 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%.