England’s dramatic four-wicket win over Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Boxing Day has not only breathed life into a one-sided Ashes series but also triggered significant movement in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 points table. While Australia remain firmly placed at the summit, their first defeat of the cycle has ended a perfect run and given chasing teams, including India, renewed cause for belief.
Australia had entered the fourth Test with a flawless 100 per cent points percentage (PCT), having dominated the early phase of the new WTC cycle. England’s victory, their first on Australian soil in 19 Test matches, has reduced Australia’s PCT to 85.71, marginally narrowing the gap at the top and reintroducing competition into the race for the final.
Australia stay top but pressure builds from behind
Despite the loss, Australia continue to lead the WTC points table comfortably and remain favourites to qualify for the final. Their early consistency still gives them a sizeable buffer over most teams, but the Melbourne setback has allowed New Zealand to close in, ensuring the contest for the top position is no longer a one-horse race.
The psychological advantage of finishing first in the standings remains crucial, particularly with venue considerations for the final in mind. Australia, therefore, will be keen to reassert their dominance when the fifth and final Ashes Test begins at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 4.
India’s WTC position unchanged but opportunity emerges
India currently occupy sixth place on the WTC points table with a PCT of 48.15%, leaving Rohit Sharma’s side with work to do if they are to challenge for a top-two finish. While England’s Melbourne victory has not altered India’s immediate ranking, Australia’s loss has slightly loosened the logjam at the top.
For India, the equation remains clear: a near-perfect run in upcoming series will be essential to bridge the gap to Australia and New Zealand, both of whom look well placed at this stage of the cycle. With several key home and away assignments still to come, India’s margin for error is slim, but the latest result has ensured the door is not entirely shut.
England revive campaign but remain well adrift
England’s triumph lifts them to a PCT of 35.18%, with Ben Stokes’ side collecting 12 points in the current cycle. However, they remain seventh on the table and still trail India and the top five by a significant margin. While the win provides momentum and morale, England’s path to contention remains steep.
The Melbourne result also benefits South Africa, who, alongside New Zealand, stand to gain from Australia no longer operating at a perfect clip. With the WTC cycle still in its early stages, the Boxing Day Test has ensured the points table is finally beginning to take shape and for India, it has offered a timely reminder that consistency, rather than miracles, will determine their fate.