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, on its own, is a sporting event of great relevance. However, with the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) on the horizon in June, the encounter takes on even greater importance for both teams. New Zealand’s recent victory over the West Indies, with a score of 2-0, places them in third place in the championship table. If they manage to repeat this result against Pakistan this season, both Australia and India will have to work hard to stay ahead of them.

Current Situation of India

India has played 4 series, accumulating 360 points, which represents a 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 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 sets 70% as the target India needs to surpass 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 impressive home record, they will have a good chance of getting all the points against England; this will mean they will need at least one win, or three draws, in the four test matches in Australia to reach the 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 grant 30 points and a draw 10, the only way to reach 110 is by winning all four matches.

Current Situation in Australia

Australia has played 3 series, with 296 points and a percentage of 82.22. Currently, Australia needs to surpass 420 points to reach a percentage above 70%, if the series against South Africa takes place. If this series is canceled, their goal will be to exceed 336 points. Since the series against South Africa is expected to consist of three test matches, there will be 40 points available per victory and 13 per draw.

Despite various injury concerns, Australia remains in a strong position, thanks to the number of points it has 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, surpassing New Zealand. If they lose 1-2 against India, Australia will need a 2-0 series victory against South Africa to stay above 70%.