India vs Australia: What does India need to qualify for the Cricket World Cup?

Australia vs India: A Crucial Duel with Clear Perspectives for the World Test Championship

The Australia vs. India clash is a high-stakes series with a lot at stake. Besides the appeal of the match itself, both teams have much to gain or lose on their path to the World Test Championship final to be held in June.

New Zealand’s recent 2-0 victory against the West Indies propels them to third place in the championship standings. If they achieve the same result against Pakistan later in the season, both Australia and India will have to strive to stay above them in the table.

India: Rating 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 test 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 means 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 at stake in these two series. This can happen in two ways: if India wins five matches, or if it wins four (120) and draws three (30).

Given India’s outstanding home record, they will have a good opportunity to obtain all the points against England; this will mean they will need at least one victory, or three draws, in the four test matches in Australia to reach that target of 150 points.

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

Australia: Current Situation

Australia has played 3 series, accumulating 296 points, with a points percentage of 82.22%. Australia currently has 296 points and needs to surpass 420 to have a points percentage above 70%, if the series against South Africa takes place. If that series is canceled, its goal will be to surpass 336. Since the series against South Africa is expected to be three test matches, there will be 40 points at stake for a win and 13 for a draw.

Despite numerous injury concerns, Australia is still in a fairly strong position, thanks to the points tally they have already accumulated. If the series against India ends 2-2, Australia will have 356 points and a percentage of 74.17%. From there, even a 1-0 series against South Africa will boost them to 422 points, and just beyond New Zealand’s reach. If they lose 1-2 against India, Australia will need a 2-0 series verdict against South Africa to stay above 70%.