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

Australia vs India: A Key Duel with Major Implications

The series between Australia and India, by itself, is a very important event. However, with the World Test Championship (WTC) final in June, the scenario becomes even more crucial for both teams. New Zealand’s 2-0 victory over the West Indies puts them in third place in the championship table. If they repeat that result against Pakistan, both Australia and India will need to work hard to stay above them.

India’s Perspectives

India has played 4 series, with 360 points and a points percentage of 75%. India has two series remaining in the current cycle, against Australia and England. Both are four-match series, which means the points allocation is the same: 30 points for a win, 10 for a draw. If New Zealand gets all the points from their series against Pakistan, their count will rise to 420, and their points percentage to 70. That means the target India must surpass is 70% to stay ahead of New Zealand.

To achieve this, India needs at least 150 points, out of the 240 offered 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 exceptional home record, they will have a good chance of getting all the points against England; that will mean they will need at least one victory, or three draws, in the four tests in Australia to reach that 150-point target.

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 will award 30 points and a draw 10, the only way they can reach 110 is if they win all four.

Situation of Australia

Australia has played 3 series, with 296 points and 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 is played. If that series is canceled, their goal will be to surpass 336. Given that the South Africa series is expected to be three tests, 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 solid 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 propel 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%.