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

Australia vs. India: A Key Duel with Major Implications

The clash between Australia and India transcends the category of simple competition; it is a high-profile cricket series. In addition to the prestige at stake, both teams have a lot at stake in terms of qualifying for the World Test Cricket championship, which will be held in June. New Zealand’s 2-0 victory over the West Indies puts them in third place in the championship table. If they repeat the result against Pakistan, both Australia and India will have to work hard to stay above them.

Classification Perspectives for India

India has played 4 series, accumulating 360 points with a points percentage of 75%. India has two series left in the current cycle, against Australia and England. Both are four-match test series, which means the points allocation 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 needs to 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 outstanding home record, they will have a good opportunity to get all the points against England. This means they will need at least one win, or three draws, in the four test matches in Australia to reach the target of 150 points.

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 win awards 30 points and a draw 10, the only way to reach 110 is by winning all four matches.

Situation in Australia

Australia has played 3 series, with 296 points and a points percentage of 82.22%. Australia needs to surpass 420 points to have a points percentage above 70%, if the series against South Africa takes place. If that series is canceled, their goal will be to exceed 336 points. Given that the series against South Africa is expected to be three test matches, there will be 40 points available per victory and 13 for a draw.

Despite numerous injury concerns, Australia remains in a strong position, thanks to the accumulated points. If the series against India ends 2-2, Australia will have 356 points and a percentage of 74.17%. From there, even a 1-0 series against South Africa will push 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%.