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

India and Australia: Keys to Qualification for the World Test Cricket Championship

The series between Australia and India transcends the realm of a simple sporting clash, as it has a significant impact on the qualification for the final of the World Test Cricket Championship in June. The performance of both teams in this series, along with India’s series against England, will be crucial. New Zealand, after its 2-0 victory against the West Indies, is positioned in third place in the table. If they achieve the same result against Pakistan, both Australia and India will have to work hard to stay above them.

India: Analysis of Possibilities

India has played 4 series, accumulating 360 points, with a points percentage of 75%. They have two series remaining in this cycle: against Australia and England. Both are four-test series, awarding 30 points for a win and 10 for a draw. If New Zealand scores all the points against Pakistan, their total will rise to 420, with a percentage of 70%. India needs to exceed this percentage to secure a place. To achieve this, India needs at least 150 points out of the 240 available in these two series. This can be achieved by winning five matches or winning four and drawing three.

Considering India’s impressive home record, they have a good chance of getting all the points against England. This means they will need at least one win, or three draws, in the four tests in 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 110 points, given that a win grants 30 points and a draw 10, is by winning all four matches.

Australia: Current Situation and Outlook

Australia has played 3 series, scoring 296 points, with a points percentage of 82.22%. They need to score over 420 points to reach a percentage higher than 70%, if the series against South Africa takes place. If this series is canceled, their goal will be to score over 336 points. If the series against South Africa is maintained, it will award 40 points for a win and 13 for a draw.

Despite injury problems, Australia is in a solid position, thanks to the points accumulated. If the series against India ends 2-2, Australia will add 356 points, with a percentage of 74.17%. A 1-0 series against South Africa would take 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%.