India vs Australia: What does India need for 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, as it is filled with meaning, especially in the context of the upcoming World Test Cricket Championship final in June. The series, along with the one India will play at home against England, has a significant impact on both teams’ qualification aspirations.

Situation of India

India has participated in 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 points 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 score will rise to 420, and their points percentage to 70%. This indicates that India’s goal is to exceed 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 (120) and drawing three (30).

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

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 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 points percentage greater than 70%, in case the series against South Africa is held. If that series is canceled, their goal will be to exceed 336 points. Since the series against South Africa is expected to consist of three tests, there will be 40 points at stake for a win and 13 for a draw.

Despite various injury problems, Australia remains in a solid position, thanks to the accumulated points. If the series against India ends 2-2, Australia will be at 356 points, with 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 series victory against South Africa to stay above 70%.