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

Australia vs India: A Crucial Duel with the World Championship at Stake

The clash between Australia and India transcends simple competition, becoming a series of great relevance with the World Test Cricket Championship on the horizon. Both teams are playing for much more than prestige in this duel. New Zealand’s recent victory over the West Indies places them in third place in the championship table. If they achieve the same result against Pakistan, Australia and India will have to work hard to maintain their position.

India in the Race for Qualification

India has played four series, accumulating 360 points and a percentage of 75%. They have two series remaining in the current cycle: against Australia and England. Both are four-test series, with the same point allocation: 30 for a win and 10 for a draw. If New Zealand gets all the points against Pakistan, their total will rise to 420, with a percentage of 70%. India will have to surpass that 70% 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 and drawing three.

Given India’s impressive home record, they will have a good chance of scoring points against England. This means they will need at least one win, or three draws, in the four tests in Australia to reach 150 points.

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

Australia: Solid Position, But with Challenges

Australia has played three series, with 296 points and a percentage of 82.22%. They need to surpass 420 points to achieve a percentage above 70% if the series against South Africa takes place. Otherwise, the goal is to exceed 336 points. The series against South Africa is expected to be three tests, with 40 points at stake for a win and 13 for a draw.

Despite injury problems, Australia is in a favorable position thanks to accumulated points. 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, they will need a 2-0 victory against South Africa to stay above 70%.