India vs Australia: WTC Requirements; India Needs 5 Wins

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. Beyond the inherent rivalry, this encounter holds significant meaning in the context of the World Test Championship final in June. New Zealand’s victory over the West Indies, with a score of 2-0, propels them to third place in the championship table. If they manage to replicate this result against Pakistan, both Australia and India will need to strive to stay above them.

India Classification Insights

India has played four series, accumulating 360 points and a points percentage of 75%. They have two series remaining in the current cycle, against Australia and England, both consisting of four tests. This implies an identical points allocation: 30 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 sets 70% as the target India must surpass 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 in two ways: by winning five matches or by winning four and drawing three.

Given their outstanding track record at home, India has a good opportunity to get the maximum points against England. This would mean they would need at least one win, or three draws, in the four tests in 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. Since a win awards 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 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, which is expected to consist of three tests, will offer 40 points per victory and 13 per draw. Despite injury problems, Australia is in a solid position, thanks to the points accumulated. 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 would propel them to 422 points, surpassing New Zealand. If they lose 1-2 against India, Australia will need to win the series against South Africa 2-0 to stay above 70%.