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

Australia vs. India: A Key Duel with Major Implications

The clash between Australia and India transcends the category of a simple sporting event; it’s a high-stakes cricket series. Besides the inherent rivalry, this encounter holds crucial importance in the context of the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) in June. New Zealand’s victory over the West Indies, with a score of 2-0, positions them in third place in the championship table. If New Zealand maintains this performance against Pakistan, both Australia and India will have to work hard to stay above them.

India Classification Perspectives

India has played 4 series, accumulating 360 points and a points percentage of 75%. They have two series remaining in the current cycle, against Australia and England. Both are four-test series, which implies the same point allocation: 30 points for a win and 10 for a draw. If New Zealand gets the maximum points in their series against Pakistan, their total will rise to 420, with a percentage of 70%. This means that India needs to exceed 70% to secure their position 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 by winning five matches or winning four and drawing three.

Given India’s impressive home record, they have a good chance of getting the maximum points against England. This will mean they need at least one win or three draws in the four matches against Australia to reach their 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. The only way to reach 110 points is by winning all four matches, as a win awards 30 points and a draw, 10.

Situation in Australia

Australia has played 3 series, with 296 points and a points percentage of 82.22%. They need to surpass 420 points to achieve a percentage higher than 70%, in case the series against South Africa is played. If this series is canceled, their goal will be to surpass 336 points. The series against South Africa will consist of three tests, with 40 points at stake per victory and 13 for a draw.

Despite injury concerns, Australia remains 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%. 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%.