India and Australia: Keys to Qualification for the World Test Cricket Championship
The series between Australia and India, a major event in itself, takes on an even greater dimension as the final of the World Test Cricket Championship in June is at stake. Both teams face a crucial challenge on their path to qualification.
New Zealand’s recent victory over the West Indies puts them in third place in the championship table. If they manage to maintain their performance against Pakistan, both Australia and India will have to work hard to stay above them.
Analysis of India’s Possibilities
India has played four series, accumulating 360 points and a points percentage of 75%. It still has two series ahead in the current cycle, against Australia and England, both consisting of four tests.
Each victory grants 30 points, while a draw adds 10. If New Zealand obtains the maximum points against Pakistan, their total will rise to 420, with a percentage of 70%. India needs to exceed that 70% to secure their position.
To achieve this, India needs at least 150 points out of a possible 240 in these two series. This can be achieved by winning five matches or winning four and drawing three.ESPNcricinfo LtdGiven India’s strong home record, they have a good chance of getting the maximum points against England. This means they will need at least one win, or three draws, in the four tests in Australia to reach their target of 150 points.
If India loses to Australia by a margin of 1-2, they will need 110 points in the series against England. The only way to reach 110 points, considering that a win grants 30 points and a draw 10, is by winning all four matches.
Situation in Australia
Australia has played three series, scoring 296 points and a percentage of 82.22%. They need to score over 420 points to reach a percentage higher than 70%, in case the series against South Africa is played.
If that series is canceled, their goal will be to surpass 336 points. The series against South Africa, which is expected to consist of three tests, will offer 40 points for a win and 13 for a draw.ESPNcricinfo LtdDespite injury problems, Australia remains in a solid position thanks to the points already 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 a 2-0 victory against South Africa to stay above 70%.
