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

Australia vs. India: Key to the World Test Championship Final

The clash between Australia and India is a highlight in itself, but with the World Test Championship (WTC) final in June, the importance is amplified for both teams. The result of this series, and the one India will play at home against England, are crucial for their qualification aspirations. New Zealand’s 2-0 victory against the West Indies places them third in the championship table. If they repeat the score against Pakistan, both Australia and India will have to work hard to stay above them.

Situation of India

India has played 4 series, with 360 points and a percentage of 75. India has two series remaining in the current cycle, against Australia and England. Both are four-Test 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, and their percentage to 70. This means that India’s goal is to exceed 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 impressive home record, they will have a good chance of getting all the points against England; this will mean they will need at least one win, or three draws, in the four tests in Australia to reach that 150-point target.

For example, if India loses to Australia by a margin of 1-2, they will need 110 points from the series against England. Since a win will award 30 points and a draw 10, the only way to reach 110 is to win all four matches.

Situation in Australia

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

Despite numerous injury concerns, Australia still holds firm, 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 win against South Africa to stay above 70%.