India vs Australia: What does India need for the WTC final?

Australia vs India: A Crucial Duel with Major Implications

The series between Australia and India, a high-caliber clash in its own right, takes on even greater significance as the final of the World Test Championship in June is at stake. Both teams are in a strategic position, aiming to secure their place at the top of the table. New Zealand, after its 2-0 victory against the West Indies, moves up to third place in the rankings. If they manage to repeat this result against Pakistan, both Australia and India will have to work hard to maintain their position.

The Outlook for India

India has played four series, accumulating 360 points with a percentage of 75%. They still have two series to play in this cycle: against Australia and England. Both are four-test series, which means the points allocation is the same: 30 points for a win and 10 for a draw. If New Zealand scores all the points in their series against Pakistan, their total will rise to 420, with a percentage of 70%. India needs to exceed this percentage 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.

Given India’s exceptional home record, they have a good chance of getting all the points against England. This would mean they would need at least one win or three draws in the four matches against Australia to reach 150 points.

For example, if India lost against Australia by a margin of 1-2, they would need 110 points in the series against England. The only way to reach 110 points (considering that a win awards 30 and a draw 10) would be by winning all four matches.

The Situation in Australia

Australia has played three series, scoring 296 points and a percentage of 82.22%. They need to exceed 420 points to have a percentage above 70%, if the series against South Africa takes place. If this series is canceled, their goal will be to exceed 336 points. Since the series against South Africa is expected to be three tests, 40 points will be offered for a win and 13 for a draw.

Despite injury problems, Australia remains in a solid position thanks to accumulated points. 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 against South Africa will boost them to 422 points, surpassing New Zealand. If they lose 1-2 against India, Australia will need to win 2-0 against South Africa to stay above 70%.