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

Australia vs. India: A Key Duel with Major Implications

The series between Australia and India transcends a simple sporting clash, as the context of the World Test Championship (WTC) in June adds an extra layer of importance for both teams. New Zealand’s recent victory over the West Indies puts them in third place in the championship table. If they achieve the same result against Pakistan, both Australia and India will have to work hard to maintain their position.

Situation in India

India has played four series, accumulating 360 points with a percentage of 75%. They have two series remaining in the current cycle, against Australia and England, both with four test matches. This means that each series awards the same number of points: 30 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%. India needs to surpass that 70% to secure their position above 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.

With their impressive home record, India has 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 test matches in Australia to reach their target of 150 points.

For example, if India loses against Australia by a margin of 1-2, they will need 110 points in the series against England. The only way to achieve this, considering that a win awards 30 points and a draw 10, is to win all four matches.

Situation in Australia

Australia accumulates 296 points with a percentage of 82.22%. They need to exceed 420 points to reach a percentage above 70%, assuming the series against South Africa takes place. 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 test matches, there will be 40 points available for a win and 13 for a draw.

Despite injury problems, Australia is 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. Even a 1-0 series win 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%.