Australia vs India: An Epic Duel with Major Implications
The clash between Australia and India transcends the category of simple competition, establishing itself as a summit series with significant consequences, especially in the context of the World Test Championship in June. Both teams are vying not only for victory in each match, but also for their position in the overall standings.
New Zealand’s recent victory over the West Indies, with a score of 2-0, has catapulted them to third place in the table. If New Zealand repeats this feat against Pakistan, both Australia and India will be forced to strive to stay above them.
India’s Path to Classification
India has participated in four series, accumulating 360 points and a percentage of 75%. They still have two series pending: against Australia and England, both consisting of four test matches. This implies a similar point allocation: 30 points for a win and 10 for a draw.
If New Zealand scores all possible points against Pakistan, their total will rise to 420, with a percentage of 70%. To secure their position, India must surpass this percentage.
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 hosting record, they have a good chance of getting the maximum points against England. This means they will need at least one win, or three draws, in the four test matches in Australia to reach 150 points.
If India loses to Australia by a margin of 1-2, they will need 110 points from the series against England. The only way to reach that figure is by winning all four matches.
The Situation in Australia
Australia, with three series played, has a total of 296 points and a percentage of 82.22%. They need to surpass 420 points to maintain a percentage above 70%, in case the series against South Africa is played. If this series is canceled, their goal will be to exceed 336 points.
The series against South Africa is expected to consist of three test matches, with 40 points at stake for a win and 13 for a draw.
Despite injury concerns, Australia is in a strong position, thanks to accumulated points. If the series against India ends 2-2, Australia will add 356 points, with a percentage of 74.17%. Even a 1-0 victory against South Africa would take 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%.
