India vs Australia: WTC keys, How many wins does India need?

Australia vs India: A Crucial Duel with Major Implications

The clash between Australia and India transcends the category of a simple sporting event. With the final of the World Test Cricket Championship on the horizon, both teams are playing for much more than immediate prestige. New Zealand’s recent victory over the West Indies places them in third place in the championship table. If New Zealand maintains its performance against Pakistan, both Australia and India will need to redouble their efforts to secure their place at the top.

India Classification Perspectives

India has played 4 series, accumulating 360 points, with a percentage of 75%. India has two crucial series remaining in the current cycle: against Australia and England. Both series consist of four tests, which means the points allocation is identical: 30 points for a win and 10 for a draw. If New Zealand scores all possible points in their series against Pakistan, their total will rise to 420, with a percentage of 70%. Therefore, India’s goal is to exceed that 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.

Given India’s impressive home record, they have a good chance of getting full points against England. This would mean they would need at least one win or three draws in the four matches against Australia to reach 150 points.

For example, if India loses against Australia with a score of 1-2, they will need 110 points in the series against England. The only way to reach that figure, considering that a victory grants 30 points and a draw 10, is by winning all four matches.

Situation in Australia

Australia has played 3 series, scoring 296 points, with a percentage of 82.22%. 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. The series against South Africa, which is expected to consist of three tests, will award 40 points for a win and 13 for a draw. Despite injury concerns, Australia is in a strong position, thanks to accumulated points. If the series against India ends 2-2, Australia will accumulate 356 points, with a percentage of 74.17%. From there, even a 1-0 victory against South Africa would propel them to 422 points, surpassing New Zealand. If they lose 1-2 against India, Australia will need to win 2-0 against South Africa to stay above 70%.