After Perth debacle, Australia suffer another major blow to WTC final hopes

Australia have dropped further down in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings ahead of their second Test against India at the Adelaide Test. Notably, after being hammered by 295 runs in the series opener in Perth, the Kangaroos lost their top spot in the standings. The Pat Cummins-led side has further dropped to the third spot in the standings after South Africa’s victory over Sri Lanka in first Test.

The Proteas emerged victorious by 233 runs at Kingsmead, Durban as Marco Jansen registered his career-best match figures of 12/86. Following their win, South Africa have climbed up three spots to be at the second spot in the WTC standings. The Temba Bavuma-led side is having a points percentage of 59.26% with five wins from nine matches.

Australia has dropped down to the third spot with eight wins from 13 matches having points percentage of 57.69%. Sri Lanka have also dropped two spots below having five wins from ten matches with a 50% points percentage. India remain on top having points percentage of 61.11% with nine wins and a draw from 15 games. New Zealand continue to occupy the fourth spot with six wins from 11 matches with a points percentage of 54.55.

The WTC table is likely to experience several shifts in the next few months with all teams playing Test cricket. India will take on Australia in the second Test from December 6 while South Africa and Sri Lanka will lock horns in the second game from December 5. Meanwhile, England, who’re currently at the sixth spot with nine wins from 19 matches, could rise higher if they manage to beat New Zealand in the ongoing first Test between the two countries. On the other hand, Pakistan (7^th), West Indies (8^th) and Bangladesh (9^th) continue to occupy the last three spots in the table.

WTC Points Table for 2024-25 Cycle