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

The Important Cricket Scenario: Australia vs. India and the World Championship

The series between Australia and India transcends a simple sporting clash. With the World Test Cricket Championship final on the horizon in June, both teams are competing for more than just victory in the series. New Zealand’s recent victory over the West Indies puts them in third place in the championship table. If they repeat that result against Pakistan, both Australia and India will have to work hard to stay ahead.

India’s Classification Perspectives

India has played four series, accumulating 360 points with a 75% percentage. They have two series left in the current cycle, against Australia and England, both of four tests. If New Zealand gets the maximum points against Pakistan, their total will rise to 420, with a percentage of 70%. To surpass New Zealand, India must exceed that 70%. This means that 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.

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 matches against Australia to reach 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. The only way to reach 110 points, considering that a win awards 30 points and a draw 10, is by winning all four matches.

Situation of Australia

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

Despite injury concerns, Australia is in a solid position thanks to accumulated points. If the series against India ends 2-2, Australia will have 356 points and a percentage of 74.17%. Even 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%.