India vs Australia: Series Key for the Cricket World Cup

Detailed Analysis: India and Australia in the Race for the World Test Cricket Championship

The series between Australia and India transcends a mere sporting clash, taking on crucial importance in the context of the World Test Championship, whose final is approaching in June. The results of this series, along with India’s series against England, will be decisive for the aspirations of both teams. New Zealand’s 2-0 victory over the West Indies puts them in third place in the championship table. If New Zealand repeats this result against Pakistan, both Australia and India will have to work hard to stay above them.

Situation in India

India has played 4 series, accumulating 360 points, with a points percentage of 75%. It still has two series to play in the current cycle, against Australia and England, both consisting of four test matches.

Each win grants 30 points, and each draw, 10. 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 needs to exceed 70% to secure their position.

To achieve this, India needs at least 150 points out of a possible 240 in these two series. This can be achieved by winning five matches or winning four and drawing three.

Given India’s strong home record, they 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 test matches in Australia to reach 150 points.

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 reach 110 points is by winning all four matches, as a win awards 30 points and a draw, 10.

Situation in Australia

Australia has played 3 series, with 296 points and a percentage of 82.22%. They need to exceed 420 points to achieve a percentage above 70%, in case the series against South Africa is played. If this series is canceled, their goal will be to exceed 336 points. If the series against South Africa is played, there will be 40 points at stake for a win and 13 for a draw.

Despite injury problems, Australia remains in a favorable position, thanks to accumulated points. If the series against India ends 2-2, Australia will add 356 points, with a percentage of 74.17%. 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 maintain a percentage above 70%.