India vs Australia: WTC Keys and the Road to the Final

Australia vs India: A Crucial Duel with Major Implications

The series between Australia and India is a major sporting event in its own right. However, on this occasion, the importance is amplified due to the imminent World Test Championship final in June. Both teams have a lot at stake, as qualifying for the final is the main goal. New Zealand, after their 2-0 victory against the West Indies, has climbed to 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.

India’s Perspective

India has played four series, accumulating 360 points, with a points percentage of 75%. They have two series remaining in the current cycle: against Australia and against England. Both are four-match 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 total will rise to 420, with a percentage of 70%. This means that India needs to surpass 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 happen in two ways: if India wins five matches, or if it wins four and draws three.

Given India’s excellent home record, they will have a good chance of getting 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 the target of 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. Since a win awards 30 points and a draw 10, the only way to reach 110 is to win all four matches.

The Situation in Australia

Australia has played three series, with 296 points and a points percentage of 82.22%. They need to surpass 420 points to have a percentage above 70%, if the series against South Africa takes place. If that series is canceled, their goal will be to surpass 336 points. Since the series against South Africa is expected to be three matches, there will be 40 points available per victory and 13 per draw.

Despite numerous injury concerns, Australia is in a strong position, thanks to the points 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, surpassing New Zealand. If they lose 1-2 against India, Australia will need to win the 2-0 series against South Africa to stay above 70%.