The points table ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cur??rently looks a lot clearer after Ind?ia lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 to Australia. The leaderboard of the WTC table is determined through Percentage System (PCT) points.

South Africa vs Australia showdown at the Lord’s

As Australia clinched a historic win in the SCG Test to secure the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 years, the two teams for the coveted ICC WTC finals are now decided. South Africa currently sits at the top of the table with 66.670 points. The Proteas managed to secure 7 wins and 3 draws in the current cycle with a total of 11 matches they have played. The only match the South Africans lost in the cycle till now was against India in the Freedom Trophy back in January 2024. The South African team is currently playing a 2-match?? Test series against Pakistan on their home soil.

The road to finals for the Aussies has not been as smooth as the Proteas, but the Australian team proved their mettle and earned their spot the hard way during the course of the cycle. The Australians managed to draw the 2023 Ashes against England and the Frank Worrell Trophy against the West Indies. However, the Australian team gained important points for the WTC cycle by a clean sweep in the Benaud-Qadir Trophy against Pakistan and Trans-Tasman Trophy against New Zealand. The Australian critically needed to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to reach the WTC finals and the former champions managed to do just that by defeating India 3-1 in the series. Australia are yet to play Sri Lanka in the current cycle.

Notably, the two finalists, South Africa and Australia have not played agai?nst each other ??in the current WTC cycle.

Also Read: AUS vs IND: Jasprit Bumrah brea?ks silence on his injury and India’s performance in BGT 2024-25

India gets the third place in the current WTC cycle

The stark decline of the Indian team in the longest format of the game is evident not just with their performance in the recen??t series loss against Australia, but also from the fact that India, the two-time WTC runner-up has failed to reach the finals of the prestigious title and could only get the No.3?? in the league table.

India had played all its matches in the current cycle and with 9 wins and 8 losses only managed to garner 50 PCT points. A clean-sweep against New Zealand and the recent 3-1 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy had hurt the Indian prospects of going to the WTC finals the most. The Kiwis are behind India in the league table with 48.210 PCT points followed by Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh, Pakistan and West Indies.

The 2025-27 cycle of the Wo??rld Test Championship is set to begin in June this year as England take on India for a 5-match Te??st series on their home soil.

Also Read: Fans furious at Gautam Gambhir as Austr??alia seals a historic Test win against India in Sydney

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As the cricketing world turns its gaze towards the World Test Championship (WTC) final scheduled for June 2025 at Lord’s, the recent Boxing Day Test has significantly altered the landscape of qualification. Australia’s emphatic 184-run victory over India not only gave them a 2-1 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 but also heightened their chances of reaching the WTC final for ??a second consecutive time. With both teams now vying for a spot, the question arises: What happens if India and Australia ?finish with identical points?

A crucial final Test for India

India’s hopes of retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy hinge on their performance in the upcoming Test at Sydney, scheduled from January 3-7, 2025. Currently, India sit at 114 points in the WTC standings, needing a win to elevate their total to 126 points out of a possible 228. This would result in a points percentage (PCT) of 55.26%, crucial for their qualification hopes. A draw or loss, however, would eliminate them from contention entirely.

Also READ: Team India’s full schedu?le till IPL 2025: England series, Ch?ampions Trophy & More

Australia’s path to victory

Australia, on the other hand, currently holds 118 points and can secure a maximum of 154 points if they win all remaining matches. Even if they lose to India in Sydney, their fate will still depend on their upcoming series against Sri Lanka. If Australia loses to India and Sri Lanka wins by a scoreline of 2-0 or 1-0, India could leapfrog Aust??ralia in the standings.

The identical points scenario

The scenario where ?both teams finish with identical points�26 each—is plausible. This would occur if India wins in Sydney while Sri Lanka draws their series against Australia. In this case, both teams would end with a PCT of 55.26%. The WTC rules stipulate that if teams have equal points, the team with more series wins advances. Both teams would have three series victories each, necessitating further tiebreakers.

Deciding factor of the tie breaker

In the event of tied points and series wins, the next deciding factor is the percentage of points earned in away matches. India’s away record includes two Tests in the West Indies (1 win, 1 draw), two in South Africa (1 win, 1 loss), and five in Australia (2 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw), yielding them a total of 56 out of a possible 108 points (51.85% win rate). Conversely, Australia’s away performance includes five Tests in England (2 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw), two Tests in New Zealand (2 w?ins), and two Tests in Sri Lanka (2 draws), givin?g them a total of 60 out of 108 points (55.56% win rate).

With stak?es this high, cricket fans eagerly await the conclusion of this gripping series and subsequent matches involving Sri Lanka and Australia, it is clear that every game will hold monumental?? significance for both India and Australia.

Also READ: ICC unveils nominees for the 2024 Cricketer of the Year Aw???ard, snubs Rohit Sharma

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Australia staged a commanding performance to defeat India by 184 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Monday, taking a crucial 2-1 lead in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series. The victory not only brought them closer to retaining the trophy but also dealt a significant blow to India’s chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023- 2025 final.

Australia’s bowling attack stifles India’s chase

Set a daunting target of 340 runs to win, India was bowled out for just 155 runs in 79.1 overs on the final day. The Australians’ relentless pace and control were led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, who dismantled the Indian top order with incisive bowling. For India, Yashasvi Jaiswal top-scored with a gritty 84 off 208 balls, but the lack of contributions from the seasoned trio of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli proved fatal to India’s chances of chasing down the target successfully. Rohit, Rahul and Kohli managed scores of 9, 0, and 5 runs, respectiv?ely, leaving India with no hope of mounting a s?erious challenge.

India’s World Test Championship qualification hopes take a massive hit

India’s defeat has had severe repercussions for their WTC 2025 qualification hopes. Currently placed 3rd on the WTC points table with a PCT (Percentage of Points Earned) of 52.78%, India’s qualification is now highly dependent on external results. To stay in contention, India must win the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground starting January 3, 2025.

Even then, they will need Sri Lanka to defeat Australia either 2-0 or 1-0 in their two-match Test series, which begins on January 29, 2025, in Galle. If these conditions are met, India could fin??ish the WTC cycle with a PCT of 55.26%, surpassing Australia’s potential maximum of 53.51% and Sri Lanka’s 53.85%. However, if India fails to win the Sydney Test or it ends in a d??raw, their hopes of qualifying for the WTC final will be dashed, with Australia or Sri Lanka taking the remaining spots.

Meanwhile, South Africa have already secured their place in the WTC 2025 final by defeating Pakistan by two wickets in the ?first Test of their two-match series at SuperSport Park in Centurion on December 29, 2024. This marks South ??Africa’s first-ever appearance in the WTC final, increasing the pressure on India to perform and avoid missing out for a third consecutive cycle.

Also READ: ?Fans react as Australia go 2-1 up after dramatic win over India in the Boxing Day Test

India’s form worsens: Flop show from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

India’s batting struggles, particularly their senior playersâ€?inconsistent performances, have plagued their campaign since September when the Test season began. Rohit and Kohli, once pillars of India’s batting lineup, have collectively struggled throughout the series, with Rohit’s form being particularly concerning. His aggregate of just 31 runs at an average of 6.20 in this series has set a new record for the lowest batting average for a touring captain in a Test series in Australia (minimum five innings). Rohit’s dismal showing in Melbourne, with scores of 3 and 9, further intensified the fansâ€?frustration. His inability to replicate his ‘Hitman’ persona in the series has led to widespread criticism and social media backlash, with calls for his retirement, alongside ??Kohli, gaining traction.

Also READ: Ind??ian captain Rohit Sharma equal??s Courtney Walsh’s unwanted record in Test cricket

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As the cricketing world turns its eyes towards the final matches of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2023-25, the Indian cricket team’s qualification for the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s remains on a knife-edge. Notably, India were already facing the heat following their disappointing home series loss against New Zealand, where they were whitewashed in a 3-Test match series. Further, the?y haven’t outperformed Australia in the BGT as after three Tests and fourth still in progress, the scoreline reads 1-1.

Further, South Africa, who were already on top of the WTC standings following brilliance against Sri Lanka, have secured their spot on the championship final after a thrilling win over Pakistan in the Boxing Day Test in Centurion. This makes the battle for the WTC final even more difficu??lt for both India and Australia. On th??at note, let’s have a breakdown of the scenarios that could see India through to the showdown.

Melbourne outcome will play a crucial role

Should the Boxing Day Test between Australia and India at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) end in a draw, India’s journey to the WTC final will not be straightforward. This result would mean that the stakes for the upcoming New Year Test at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) would skyrocket, making it a do-or-die encounter for Rohit Sharma’s unit.

Sydney to become a must-win game?

The SCG Test becomes a must-win for India under the scenario where the MCG Test ends in a stalemate. A victory in Sydney would keep India’s hopes alive, but it would still not be enough to guarantee their spot in the final; external results would come into play.

The role of Sri Lanka

For India to qualify without winning the series against Australia, they would require assistance from Sri Lanka. If the? Border-Gavaskar Trophy series concludes with a 1-1 scoreline, India would need Sri Lanka to defeat Australia in at least one of their upcoming two-match series. However, historical data suggests that outcomes in Galle, where these matches are scheduled, typically do not end in draws, making a 1-0 series win for Sri Lanka a challenging but not impossible scenario.

Also READ: AUS vs IND: Jasprit Bumrah scripts unique record after going past 200-wickets milestone i?n MC??G Test

Final scenario

If India manage to secure a win in Sydney after a draw in Melbourne, and if Australia fails to sweep Sri Lanka, India could still make it to the final at Lord’s. Australia’s series with Sri Lanka is crucial; if Australia wins both matches, India’s case for qualification would collapse. However, any other result – be it a win, a draw, or a loss for Australia in that series – could potentially open the door for India, assuming they have secured the necessary points from their series.

South Africa secured spot in WTC final

Adding to the intrigue, South Africa have already confirmed their spot in the WTC final, making them the first team to secure their place at the prestigious event at Lord’s. Their consistent performance throughout the cycle has ensured they will be one of the contenders vying for the championship title, setting the stage for an exciting clash with whoever emerges as their final opponent.

Also READ: Fans go crazy as Sout??h Africa beat Pakist??an in a thrilling Boxing Day Test to secure WTC final berth

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India and Australia settled for a rain-affected draw in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series at the Gabba, Brisbane. The match, plagued by weather interruptions, impacted both teams�chances of climbing the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 standings.

Brisbane Test between Australia and India

India, after electing to field, could only manage 13.2 overs on day one due to rain. Australia capitalized on day two, with centuries from Steve Smith (101) and Travis Head (152) guiding them to 405/7. They were bowled out for 445 on day three, before India’s reply faltered to 51/4.

Rain interruptions continued on day four, but India reached 252/9 by stumps, thanks to a resilient last-wicket partnership between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep. The visitors were eventually dismissed for 260 on day five. Australia declared at 89/7 in their second innings, setting India a target of 275 from 54 overs. Bad light and rain ensured India ended at 8/0 in 2.1 overs, forcing a dra???w.

Also READ: Ravichandran?? Ashwin a??nnounces retirement from international cricket

Updated WTC 2023-25 standings after Gabba Draw

The rain-affected draw resulted in both teams earning four points each in the WTC standings. Australia remains in second place with a PCT (Percentage of Points) dropping from 60.71 to 58.89, while India stays third, with their PCT reducing from 57.29 to 55.88. South Africa leads the table with a PCT of 63.33. This Test was crucial for India, as the remaining two matches in the? BGT are their last in the 2023-25 WTC cycle. Australia, after this series, will have two Tests against Sri Lanka early next year.

Following the draw at the Gabba, South Africa retained their top position in the ICC WTC standings with a PCT of 63.33, having won six of their 10 matches. Australia remained in second place with a PCT of 58.89, after nine wins, four losses, and two draws from 15 matches. India stayed in third, with a PCT of 55.88, securing nine wins, six l??osses, and two draws from 17 matches.

New Zealand, with seven wins and seven losses from 14 matches, held fourth place with a PCT of 48.21. Sri Lanka followed in fifth with a PCT of 45.45, after five wins in 11 matches. England, despite playing 22 matches – the most among all teams – occupied the sixth position with a PCT of 43.18, registering 11 wins and 10 losses.

Pakistan, with four wins and six losses in 10 matches, stood in seventh place with a PCT of 33.33. Bangladesh, with four wins from 12 matches, maintained eighth place with a PCT of 31.25. West Indies rounded off the table in ninth position with a PCT of 24.24, having won just two of their 11 matches. The standings ?highlight ?a close race among the top three teams, with South Africa, Australia and India all competing fiercely for a spot in the WTC final.

Also READ: 3 ways how Virat Kohli can re??gain his prime form in Test cricket

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South Africa registered a convincing 109-run victory over Sri Lanka on Day 5 of the second Test at St. George’s Park, thanks to an exceptional performance by left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj. Mah?araj delivered a match-winning spell, claiming fiv??e wickets for 76 runs, as Sri Lanka collapsed to 238, losing their last five wickets for just 33 runs.

This win completed a 2-0 series whitewash, underlining South Africa’s dominance at home. The result also marked a crucial achievement for Temba Bavuma’s team, as they climbed to the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 points table. South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack and Maharaj’s consistent breakthroughs proved too much for Sri Lanka to handle on the final day.

Impact on the World Test Championship Table

South Africa’s emphatic series victory has significantly reshaped the WTC points table. With a percentage of points (PCT) now standing at 63.33, they overtook Australia to claim the top spot. The Proteas have won six out of their ten Tests in this cycle, showcasing remarkable consistency. Australia, the reigning champions, slipped to second place with a PCT of 60.71. India, meanwhile, remains at the third position with a PCT of 57.29, having suffered a disappointing defeat in the second Test against Australia in Adelaide. Des??pite their loss, Sri Lanka retains fourth place on the table with 45.45 PCT but faces an uphill task to remain in contention for a spot in the final.

South Africa’s road to the WTC final

South Africa’s latest victory places them within touching distance of securing a place in the WTC final, which is set to be held at Lord’s from June 11 to 15, 2025. With a two-match Test series against Pakistan starting on Boxing Day, the Proteas need just one more win to confirm their berth in the final. The team’s recent performances, both at home and away, have cemented their position as strong contenders for the title clash. The performance of key players, including Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, in the series against Sri Lanka helped South Afr??ica in delivering dominant performances, highlighting their depth and resilience.

Also READ: Keshav Maharaj’s stunning fi??fer secures clean sweep for South Africa in fina??l Test against Sri Lanka

India’s qualification scenarios for the WTC final

South Africa’s commanding series win over Sri Lanka has significantly influenced India’s position in the ICC WTC standings. India currently occupies third place on the table with a PCT of 57.29, following their defeat to Australia in Adelaide. The loss to their arch-rivals has intensified the pressure on India to perform flawlessly in the remaining matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

With the series level at 1-1, India c?annot afford any further setbacks if they aim to control their destiny in the WTC race. This development has placed India in a critical situation, where every match result could determine their qualification prospects. The recent shake-up in the standings, driven by South Africa’s rise to the top with a PCT of 63.33, means India must now surpass not only Australia, who slipped to second place with a PCT of 60.71, but also the resurgent Proteas.

India’s chances of making the WTC final depend heavily on the outcome of their remaining matches in the BGT against Australia. If India w?ins all three remaining Tests, their PCT will rise to 64.04, enough to surpass Australia even if the latter wins their series against Sri Lanka 2-0. Alternatively, India can still qualify by winning two Tests and drawing one, which would also place them above Australia. However, any further loss in the series would complicate India’s qualification, as their PCT would fall below Australia’s. In such a scenario, India’s fate would hinge on Sri Lanka defeating Australia 2-0 in their upcoming series, adding uncertainty to their path.

Sri Lanka’s diminished hopes

Sri Lanka’s 2-0 series defeat against South Africa has severely dented their chances of making the WTC final. While they remain in the race mathematically, their position at fourth on th?e table with a PCT of 45.45 puts them in a precarious situation. To have any chance of qualifying, Sri Lanka will need to win all their remaining matches and hope for favorable outcomes in other series, particularly those involving Australia and India. Despite the setback, Sri Lanka’s fight in the first Test and their moments of resilience in the second. demonstrate their potential to cause upsets in the final stages of the WTC cycle.

ALSO WATCH: Kyle Verreynne’s stunning catch sends Kamindu Mendis packing on Day 4 of the?? second Test | SA vs?? SL

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The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 has reached a critical juncture following India‘s recent 10-wicket loss to Australia in the Pink Ball Test at Adelaide Oval. This defeat not only marked a significant moment in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but also dramatically altered the standings of the ch??ampionship. As teams vie for a spot in the final, the implications of this match are profound, reshaping the competitive landscape of Test cricket.

A staggering setback for India

India’s defeat in Adelaide was a crushing blow, causing them to slip from second to third place in the WTC standings. Their points percentage (PCT) plummeted from 61.11 to 57.29, significantly diminishing their chances of securing a place in the final. The loss came after a promising start in Perth, where India had previously triumphed, but it now leaves them with little room for error in their remaining matches. With three games left in the series against Australia, India must win all to maximize their points and improve their PCT to 64.03.

Also WATCH: Scott Boland’s incredible delivery to d??ismiss Yashasvi Jaiswal on Day 2 of the Adelaide Test

Australia reclaims the top spot

In stark contrast, Australia capitalized on India’s misfortune and reclaimed the top position in the WTC standings. Their emphatic victory pushed their PCT from 57.69 to 60.71, marking their ninth win of this championship cycle. This resurgence places them ahead of South Africa, who currently sit second with a PCT of 59.26. Australia’s solid performance has positioned them as strong favourites to reach the final, especially if they maintain their winning streak.

South Africa: The silent contender

Meanwhile, South Africa remains a formidable contender in this championship, holding second place with a PCT of 59.26. Their consistent performance has kept them in contention, and they have an opportunity to leapfrog India if they secure victories in their upcoming matches against Sri Lanka. With four wins out of nine matches so far, Sou??th Africa are wel??l-positioned to challenge both India and Australia for a place in the final.

For India, the path forward is fraught with pressure and urgency. They cannot afford another loss if they wish to control their destiny regarding qualification for the WTC final scheduled at Lord’s next year. The upcoming matches against Australia will be crucial; each game repres??ents not just points but also pride and a chance f?or redemption after the Adelaide setback.

Beyond the top three teams, Sri Lanka sits fourth with a PCT of 50.00, while England and New Zealand struggle with percentages of 44.44 and 44.23, respectively. Both teams face uphill battles if they hope to quali??fy for the final, especially given their inconsisten?t performances thus far.

Also WATCH: Mitchell Starc cleans up Shubman Gill with a toe-crushing yorker on Day ?2 of Pink Ball Test

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England Test captain Ben Stokes has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction after his team was penalized three points in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 standings for a slow over rate during their recent Test victory against New Zealand in Christchurch. England delivered a dominant performance in the match, securing an eight-wicket win, largely due to Brydon Carse’s outstanding 10-wicket haul and Harry Brook’s impressive first-innings century.

Ben Stokes criticizes WTC points deduction after Christchurch Test

However, both England?? and New Zealand were found to have fallen three overs short of the required rate, even after time allowances were factored in. As a result, each team faced a deduction of three WTC points. The ICC? issued a statement confirming the penalties, stating:

“New Zealand and England were both found to have three overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration, with sides penalised one point for each over they were found to be short. On-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Rod Tucker, third umpire Adrian Holdstock and fourth official Kim Cotton levelled the charges, with David Boon of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposing the sanctions,”

Both Stokes and his New Zealand counterpart Tom Latham admitted to the charges and accepted the sanctions without contesting them, thereby avoiding formal hearings. Nonetheless, Stokes took to Instagram to share his discontent with the ruling, posting a sarcastic message that read: “Good on you ICC,â€?/em> accompanied by three shrug emojis. He further added, “[We] finished the game with 10 hours of play still left,” highlighting that the Test concluded during the afternoon s??ession of the fourth day.

Also READ: Here are the updated WTC 2023-25 standings?? after England’s win over New Zealand in Christchurch Test

England’s repeated over-rate sanctions

This latest incident adds to England’s ongoing issues?? with maintaining over rates during the current ?WTC cycle. While this is New Zealand’s first penalty of the cycle, England has faced similar sanctions on multiple occasions. During the 2023 Ashes series against Australia, England was docked a staggering 19 points for over-rate violations, the most significant penalty in the competition’s history.

The cumulative impac??t of these penalties has been substantial. If England had avoided any over-rate deductions during this cycle, they still wouldn’t have qualified for the WTC final at ??Lord’s next summer, but they would have been in contention for much of 2024. As things stand, England are currently sixth in the WTC standings with a win percentage of 42.50, having accumulated 102 points from 20 matches.

Slow over rate despite early finish

The Christc?hurch Test exemplified England’s pace and dominance as they chased down a target of 104 runs in just 13 overs to claim a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Despite this swift conclusion, the ICC’s decision to penalize both teams underscores its commitment to enforcing over-rate regulations, regardless of match outcomes or duration.

England’s penalty comes on the heels of their elimination from the WTC final race following a 1-2 series loss to Pakistan. The team has now been docked a t??otal of 22 points in this WTC cycle, far more than any other side. Of these, the bulk of the deductions (19 ??points) came from over-rate infractions during the Ashes series.

Looking ahead, England will aim to maintain their series lead against New Zealand in the second Test, which begins on Friday, December 6, at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. In addition to continuing their winning? momentum, the team will need to address their recurring over-rate issues to prevent further penalties that could further impact their WTC campaign.

Also READ: Fans go wild as ?clinical Bangladesh beat West Indies in the 2nd Test to register a historic win

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