World Test Championship: Current Standings Ahead of Next Year’s Final

Patiala, 30 July (Sports Desk)

As the third edition of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 progresses, here’s an overview of the standings and the prospects of each team to reach the final at Lord’s next year.

England’s Surge in the WTC 23-25 Table

England has made significant progress in the WTC 23-25 Table with a decisive 3-0 series win over West Indies at home. They aim to maintain this momentum in their remaining nine matches to strengthen their case for a spot in the one-off Test in 2025.

World Test Championship 2023-25 Standings

Currently, the previous edition’s finalists, India and Australia, are leading the points table. New Zealand, Sri Lanka, England, and Pakistan are in the middle positions, while South Africa, Bangladesh, and West Indies occupy the final three spots.

With many matches still to be played in this WTC cycle, let’s look at each team’s chances of making the final.

1. India – 68.52% of Possible Points

• Remaining Series: Bangladesh (home, two Tests), New Zealand (home, three Tests), Australia (away, five Tests)
• Best Possible Finish: 85.09%

India has completed three of their six mandatory WTC series and is on track for a third consecutive appearance in the final. They started strong with a victory in the West Indies (1-0), followed by a draw against South Africa (away, 1-1), and a win against England (home, 4-1). With six wins from nine games, India aims to continue their dominance in the remaining 10 matches, especially in the home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand. Their final challenge will be a five-Test series against Australia away from home.

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2. Australia – 62.50% of Possible Points

• Remaining Series: India (home, five Tests), Sri Lanka (away, two Tests)
• Best Possible Finish: 76.32%

Australia is well-positioned for their second consecutive appearance in the final. They began the cycle with an exciting Ashes series, winning the first two Tests before England drew the series 2-2. Australia then triumphed over Pakistan (3-0 at home) and the West Indies, before winning the Trans-Tasman series against New Zealand. Good performances against India at home and Sri Lanka away could solidify their place in the final.

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3. New Zealand – 50% of Possible Points

• Remaining Series: Sri Lanka (away, two Tests), India (away, three Tests), England (home, three Tests)
• Best Possible Finish: 78.57%

Despite a drawn series against Bangladesh and a home series loss to Australia, New Zealand remains in contention with a 2-0 sweep over South Africa at home. Their upcoming challenges include five Tests in Asia and a series against a rejuvenated England side at home. The performance of their spinners will be crucial for their chances of reaching the final.

4. Sri Lanka – 50% of Possible Points

• Remaining Series: England (away, three Tests), New Zealand (home, two Tests), South Africa (away, two Tests), Australia (home, two Tests)
• Best Possible Finish: 84.62%

Sri Lanka has played only four Tests in this cycle, losing 2-0 to Pakistan at home and winning 2-0 against Bangladesh away. They face tough opponents in their upcoming matches. Their experienced batting lineup and effective spin attack will need to perform well to secure a spot in the final.

5. Pakistan – 36.66% of Possible Points

• Remaining Series: Bangladesh (home, two Tests), England (home, three Tests), South Africa (away, two Tests), West Indies (home, two Tests)
• Best Possible Finish: 77.38%

Pakistan started the WTC 2023-25 cycle strong, defeating Sri Lanka 2-0 away. Despite a challenging series in Australia, they have seven of their nine remaining Tests at home. Pakistan will look to capitalize on home advantage against Bangladesh and the West Indies, while a tough series against England awaits.

6. England – 36.54% of Possible Points

• Remaining Series: Sri Lanka (home, three Tests), Pakistan (away, three Tests), New Zealand (away, three Tests)
• Best Possible Finish: 62.50%

England’s 3-0 series sweep over West Indies has kept their hopes alive for reaching the final. They will aim for a clean sweep at home against Sri Lanka before facing tougher challenges against Pakistan and New Zealand away.

7. South Africa – 25% of Possible Points

• Remaining Series: West Indies (away, two Tests), Bangladesh (away, two Tests), Sri Lanka (home, two Tests), Pakistan (home, two Tests)
• Best Possible Finish: 75%

South Africa had a mixed start with a victory over India but then lost three consecutive matches. With a strong bowling attack, they will look to make up ground in their remaining series against West Indies, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.

8. Bangladesh – 25% of Possible Points

• Remaining Series: Pakistan (away, two Tests), India (away, two Tests), South Africa (home, two Tests), West Indies (away, two Tests)
• Best Possible Finish: 75%

Bangladesh secured a win against New Zealand but lost their series against Sri Lanka. With eight more Tests remaining, they need to perform exceptionally well against strong opponents like Pakistan, India, and South Africa to stay in contention.

9. West Indies – 19.05% of Possible Points

• Remaining Series: South Africa (home, two Tests), Bangladesh (home, two Tests), Pakistan (away, two Tests)
• Best Possible Finish: 56.41%

West Indies have a tough road ahead, with their home series against South Africa crucial for any chance of making the final. They will need consistent performances to climb the standings and secure a spot in the final.

The competition is still wide open, and each team has a path to the final depending on their upcoming performances.