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 is a very important event, but with the World Test Championship (WTC) final on the horizon in June, the significance is considerably amplified for both teams. The performance of both teams in this series, as well as India against England, will determine their path to qualification. New Zealand’s 2-0 victory over the West Indies propels them to third place in the championship table. If they repeat that performance against Pakistan later in the season, both Australia and India will have to work hard to stay above them.

India: Opportunities and Challenges

India has played 4 series, with a total of 360 points and a points percentage of 75%. It still has two series to play in the current cycle, against Australia and England, both of four tests. This means that the points allocation for each series 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 count will rise to 420, with a percentage of 70%. This sets 70% as the target India must 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 (120) and drawing three (30).

Given India’s excellent home record, they will have a good chance of getting all the points against England. This 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 victory will award 30 points and a draw 10, the only way they can reach 110 is by winning all four matches.

Australia: Solid Position

Australia has played 3 series, accumulating 296 points, with a points percentage of 82.22%. Currently, Australia needs 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. Given that the series against South Africa is expected to be three tests, there will be 40 points at stake for a win and 13 for a draw.

Despite various injury concerns, Australia is still in a favorable position, thanks to the number of points it has already accumulated. If the series against India ends 2-2, Australia will be at 356 points, with 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 series victory against South Africa to stay above 70%.