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

India and Australia: Keys to Qualification for the World Test Cricket Championship

The series between Australia and India, on its own, is a major event. However, with the World Test Championship final in June, both teams have a lot at stake in terms of qualification. New Zealand’s 2-0 victory over the West Indies puts them third in the championship table. If they repeat that result against Pakistan later in the season, both Australia and India will have to work hard to stay above them.

India: Rating Outlook

India has played 4 series, with 360 points and a points percentage of 75%. India has two series remaining in the current cycle, against Australia and England. Both are four-match test series, which means the points allocation for both series 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 score will rise to 420, and their points percentage to 70. This means that the target India must surpass to stay ahead of New Zealand is 70%.

To achieve this, India needs at least 150 points, out of the 240 offered in these two series. This can happen in two ways: if India wins five matches, or if it wins four (120) and draws three (30).

Given India’s strong home record, they will have a good chance of getting all the points against England; that will mean they will need at least one win, or three draws, in the four test matches in Australia to reach that target of 150 points.

Yes, 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 will get 30 points and a draw 10, the only way they can reach 110 is if they win all four.

Australia: Current Situation

Australia has played 3 series, with 296 points and a points percentage of 82.22%. Australia currently has 296 points and needs to surpass 420 to have a points percentage above 70 if the series against South Africa is played. If that series is canceled, their goal will be to surpass 336. Since the South Africa series is expected to be three test matches, there will be 40 points at stake for a win and 13 for a draw.

Despite numerous injury concerns, Australia is still in a fairly strong position, thanks to the points tally they have already accumulated. 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 boost them to 422 points, and just beyond New Zealand’s reach. If they lose 1-2 against India, Australia will need a 2-0 series verdict against South Africa to stay above 70%.