The World Test Championship (WTC) for the 2023-2025 cycle is heating up as teams compete for the coveted top two spots to qualify for the final at Lord’s in 2025. Here’s a breakdown of the current standings, performance highlights, and the points system that determines the rankings.

  1. South Africa
    • Matches Played: 11
    • Wins: 7 | Losses: 3 | Draws: 1
    • Points: 88
    • Points Percentage (PCT): 66.67%
      South Africa has emerged as a strong contender, leading the table with consistent performances and a high PCT. Their balanced team dynamics and strategic wins have given them the edge.
  2. Australia
    • Matches Played: 17
    • Wins: 11 | Losses: 4 | Draws: 2
    • Points: 130
    • PCT: 63.73%
      Australia remains a dominant force in Test cricket, sitting comfortably in second place. With a robust batting lineup and an effective bowling attack, they are poised to challenge for the top spot.
  3. India
    • Matches Played: 19
    • Wins: 9 | Losses: 8 | Draws: 2
    • Points: 114
    • PCT: 50.00%
      India’s position reflects a mixed bag of results, highlighting inconsistencies in both batting and bowling. While young talents have shown promise, the team needs stronger collective performances to stay in contention for the final.
  1. New Zealand
    • Matches Played: 14
    • Wins: 7 | Losses: 7 | Draws: 0
    • Points: 81
    • PCT: 48.21%
      New Zealand’s campaign has been evenly balanced with equal wins and losses. Their path to the final depends on sustained success in upcoming matches.
  2. Sri Lanka
    • Matches Played: 11
    • Wins: 5 | Losses: 6 | Draws: 0
    • Points: 60
    • PCT: 45.45%
      Sri Lanka’s position shows potential but lacks consistency. They must deliver decisive victories to remain competitive.

The Stragglers: England, Bangladesh, Pakistan and West Indies

  1. England
    • Matches Played: 22
    • Wins: 11 | Losses: 10 | Draws: 1
    • Points: 114
    • PCT: 43.18%
      Despite being a formidable Test side, England’s high number of losses has impacted their PCT, keeping them out of the top tier.
  2. Bangladesh and Pakistan
    • Bangladesh: PCT 31.25%
    • Pakistan: PCT 30.30%
      Both teams have struggled with consistency, falling behind in the race for the top spots.
  3. West Indies
    • Matches Played: 11
    • Wins: 2 | Losses: 7 | Draws: 2
    • Points: 32
    • PCT: 24.24%
      West Indies find themselves at the bottom, needing significant improvement to climb the ladder.

Understanding the Points System

  • Win: 12 points
  • Tie: 6 points
  • Draw: 4 points
  • Slow Over-Rate Penalty: Teams face point deductions for slow over-rates.
  • Ranking by PCT: Rankings are determined by the percentage of points won, 

The top two teams on the points table will qualify for the final at Lord’s in 2025. With South Africa and Australia currently leading, other teams like India and New Zealand must secure consistent victories to keep their final hopes alive.

The WTC cycle continues to provide intense Test cricket, showcasing the resilience and skill of the world’s best teams as they vie for supremacy.