India vs Australia: What does India need to qualify for the WTC Final?

Australia vs India: Keys to Qualification for the World Test Cricket Championship

The clash between Australia and India transcends the category of a simple sporting encounter, becoming a crucial series with significant implications, especially with the final of the World Test Cricket Championship on the horizon in June. The aspirations of both teams are intertwined in a competition for a place in the final. New Zealand’s 2-0 victory against the West Indies places them in third place in the championship table. If they manage to repeat this result against Pakistan, both Australia and India will have to work hard to stay above them in the standings.

India: Analysis of Classification Possibilities

India has played four series, accumulating 360 points, which represents 75% of points. They have two series left in the current cycle, against Australia and England, both consisting of four tests. The point allocation is identical for both series: 30 points for a win and 10 for a draw. If New Zealand obtains the maximum points against Pakistan, their total will rise to 420, with a percentage of 70%. India must exceed this 70% to secure their position.

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 strong home record, they have a good opportunity to get the maximum points against England. This would mean they will need at least one win, or three draws, in the four matches against Australia to reach the 150 points needed.

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

Australia: Rating Outlook

Australia has played three series, scoring 296 points, with a percentage of 82.22. They need to exceed 420 points to obtain a percentage greater than 70%, as long as the series against South Africa is played. In the event that this series is canceled, its objective will be to exceed 336 points. If the series against South Africa consists of three tests, 40 points will be awarded for a win and 13 for a draw. Despite injury problems, Australia is in a strong position thanks to accumulated points. If the series against India ends 2-2, Australia would reach 356 points and a percentage of 74.17. Even a 1-0 series against South Africa would take them to 422 points, surpassing New Zealand. If they lose against India by 1-2, Australia will need a 2-0 result against South Africa to stay above 70%.