India vs Australia: WTC Equations; 5 Key Wins for India.

The Crucial Australia vs. India and the World Test Championship

The series between Australia and India is a highlight in itself, but with the World Test Championship (WTC) final in June, there is a lot at stake for both teams in terms of qualification. New Zealand’s recent victory over the West Indies puts them in third place in the championship table. If New Zealand repeats that result against Pakistan, both Australia and India will have to work hard to stay above them.

India’s Perspectives

India has played 4 series, accumulating 360 points and a points percentage of 75%. India has two series left in the current cycle, against Australia and England, both of four matches. This means that 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 total will increase to 420, with a points percentage of 70%. Therefore, India needs to surpass that 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 and drawing three.

Given India’s excellent home record, they will have a good opportunity to get all the points against England. This means they will need at least one win or three draws in the four matches against Australia to reach 150 points.

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

Australia’s Outlook

Australia has played 3 series, with 296 points and a point percentage of 82.22%. Australia needs to surpass 420 points to have a points percentage above 70%, if the series against South Africa takes place. If that series is canceled, their goal will be to exceed 336 points. Given that the series against South Africa is expected to be three matches, there will be 40 points available per win and 13 for a draw. Despite injury concerns, Australia remains in a strong position thanks to accumulated points. 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, surpassing New Zealand. If they lose 1-2 against India, Australia will need a 2-0 victory against South Africa to stay above 70%.