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

Australia vs. India: A Key Duel with Major Implications

The clash between Australia and India transcends the category of a simple sporting encounter; it’s a high-caliber cricket series with a lot at stake. In addition to the inherent rivalry, this duel has crucial importance in the context of the World Test Championship final in June. New Zealand’s victory over the West Indies, with a score of 2-0, propels them 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: Rating Outlook

India has played four series, accumulating 360 points, which translates to a percentage of 75%. India has two series remaining in the current cycle: against Australia and England. Both are four-test series, which implies the same point allocation: 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 be achieved in two ways: by winning five matches or by winning four and drawing three.

Considering India’s exceptional home record, they have a good chance of getting all the points against England. This would mean they would 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 with 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 the 110 points is by winning all four matches.

Australia: Situation Analysis

Australia has played three series, scoring 296 points, with a percentage of 82.22%. Currently, Australia needs to surpass 420 points to reach 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. Since the series against South Africa is expected to consist of three tests, 40 points will be offered for a win and 13 for a draw.

Despite injury problems, Australia remains in a favorable position, thanks to accumulated points. If the series against India ends 2-2, Australia will add 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 victory against South Africa to stay above 70%.