India vs Australia: WTC Requirements; 5 Key Wins for India

Australia vs. India: A Key Duel with Major Implications

The clash between Australia and India transcends the category of a simple sporting encounter; it’s a high-stakes cricket series. Beyond the inherent rivalry, this duel has a significant impact on the qualification for the World Test Championship final in June. New Zealand’s recent victory over the West Indies, with a score of 2-0, places them in third place in the championship table. If New Zealand repeats this result against Pakistan, both Australia and India will need to work hard to stay above them.

India’s Perspectives

India has played four series, accumulating 360 points, which is equivalent to 75% of the points. India has two series remaining in the current cycle, against Australia and England. Both are four-match series, which means the points allocation 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 total will rise to 420, with a points percentage of 70%. This means that India’s goal is to exceed 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 happen in two ways: if India wins five matches, or if it wins four (120) and draws three (30).

Given India’s outstanding home record, they will have a good opportunity to obtain all the points against England; this will mean they will need at least one victory, or three draws, in the four tests in Australia to reach that target of 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. Since a win will grant 30 points and a draw 10, the only way to reach 110 is by winning all four matches.

Situation in Australia

Australia has played three series, with 296 points and a points percentage of 82.22%. Australia needs to surpass 420 points to achieve a percentage above 70%, in case the series against South Africa is played. If that series is canceled, their goal will be to exceed 336 points. Since the series against South Africa is expected to consist of 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, thanks to the accumulated points. If the series against India ends 2-2, Australia will be at 356 points, with a percentage of 74.17%. From there, even a 1-0 series against South Africa will boost 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%.