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. With the final of the World Test Cricket Championship on the horizon in June, both teams are playing for much more than immediate prestige. New Zealand’s recent victory over the West Indies propels them to third place in the championship table. If they achieve the same result against Pakistan, both Australia and India will need to strive to stay above them.

India’s Outlook

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 of four tests. The point allocation is the same for both series: 30 points for a win and 10 for a draw. If New Zealand gets 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 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 the maximum points against England. This means they will need at least one win, or three draws, in the four tests in Australia to achieve their goal.

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 reach those 110 points is by winning all four matches, as a victory grants 30 points and a draw, 10.

Situation in Australia

Australia, with three series played, has a total of 296 points and a percentage of 82.22%. They need to surpass 420 points to achieve a percentage higher than 70%, provided the series against South Africa takes place. If it is canceled, their goal will be to exceed 336 points. If the series against South Africa is three tests, there will be 40 points at stake for a win and 13 for a draw.

Despite injury problems, Australia is in a solid position due to the points already accumulated. If the series against India ends 2-2, Australia will add 356 points, with a percentage of 74.17%. From there, a 1-0 series against South Africa will boost them to 422 points, surpassing New Zealand. If they lose 1-2 against India, they will need a 2-0 victory against South Africa to stay above 70%.