India vs Australia: WTC Keys, India Needs 5 Wins

Australia vs. India: A Crucial Duel with Major Implications

The Australia vs. India clash is a high-stakes cricket series. Besides being an exciting competition in its own right, it holds additional significance due to the upcoming World Test Cricket Championship final in June. The recent victory of New Zealand over the West Indies positions them in third place in the championship table. If New Zealand repeats this success against Pakistan, both Australia and India will need to secure positive results to stay above them.

India: Rating Outlook

India has participated in four series and currently has 360 points, with a points percentage of 75%. India has two series remaining in the current cycle, against Australia and England, both of four tests. This means that the points allocation is the same for both series: 30 points 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 points percentage of 70%. Therefore, India needs to surpass this percentage 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 excellent home record, they will have a good chance of getting all the 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 to Australia by a margin of 1-2, they will need 110 points from the series against England. The only way to reach 110 points is by winning all four matches.

Australia: Current Situation

Australia has played three series, accumulating 296 points and a points percentage of 82.22%. Australia needs to surpass 420 points to have a points percentage above 70%, as long as the series against South Africa is played. If that series is canceled, their goal will be to exceed 336 points. The series against South Africa is expected to consist of three tests, with 40 points at stake for a win and 13 for a draw.

Despite injury concerns, Australia is in a solid position thanks to the points 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 propel 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%.