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

Australia vs India: A Key Duel with Major Implications

The series between Australia and India, on its own, is a sporting event of great relevance. However, with the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) on the horizon in June, the encounter takes on even greater importance for both teams. New Zealand’s 2-0 victory over the West Indies propels them to third place in the championship table. If they repeat the result against Pakistan, both Australia and India will have to work hard to stay above them.

The Ranking Landscape for India

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-match series, with the same point allocation: 30 points for a win and 10 for a draw. If New Zealand gets the maximum points against Pakistan, their total will rise to 420, with a percentage of 70%. This means that India needs 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: by winning five matches or by winning four and drawing three.

Given India’s impressive home record, they will have a good chance of getting the maximum points against England. This means 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 against Australia by a margin of 1-2, they will need 110 points from the series against England. Since a win awards 30 points and a draw 10, the only way to reach 110 is by winning all four matches.

The Situation in Australia

Australia has played 3 series, with 296 points and a points percentage of 82.22%. Currently, they need to surpass 420 points to have a percentage higher than 70%, in case the series against South Africa is played. If the series is canceled, their goal will be to exceed 336 points. Given that the series against South Africa is expected to be three tests, there will be 40 points at stake per victory and 13 per draw.

Despite injury concerns, Australia is in a solid position, thanks to the points it has already accumulated. If the series against India ends 2-2, Australia will have 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 series victory against South Africa to stay above 70%.