World Test Championship 2023-25: Current Standings and Future Prospects
The ICC World Test Championship is at a fascinating juncture, with the finalists from the previous edition, India and Australia, leading the standings. As the tournament takes a brief hiatus to make way for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in June, the competition is heating up.
New Zealand and Sri Lanka, both with point percentages of 50 percent, are hot on the heels of the leaders, while other teams further down the table are still hopeful of reaching the final, with several key series yet to be played before the final showdown in mid-2025.
Team-by-Team Analysis
India
Series remaining: Bangladesh (2 Tests, home), New Zealand (3 Tests, home), Australia (5 Tests, away)
India began the cycle with a 1-0 series victory in the West Indies, followed by a hard-fought draw in South Africa. Despite losing the first Test against England at home, India bounced back to win the next four, climbing to the top of the WTC25 standings. The upcoming home Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand could further strengthen India’s position, but the real test will be the five-match away series in Australia.
The Indian squad poses for the camera ahead of the ICC World Test Championship Final.
Australia
Series remaining: India (5 Tests, home), Sri Lanka (2 Tests, away)
Defending champions Australia started the cycle with a grueling five-match Test series against a rejuvenated England, managing to retain the Ashes with a 2-2 series scoreline. A 3-0 series win over Pakistan at home saw them climb to the top of the table, but a shock Test loss to a Shamar Joseph-inspired West Indies saw them drop crucial points. However, they quickly regrouped to seal a 2-0 away victory over New Zealand.
Australia’s winning moment at the #WTC23 Final.
New Zealand
Series remaining: Sri Lanka (2 Tests, away), India (3 Tests, away), England (3 Tests, home)
New Zealand, despite a strong start with a series win against South Africa at home, have struggled to maintain their momentum. They drew a two-match Test series in Bangladesh before being beaten 2-0 at home by Australia. The Kiwis face a tough road ahead with away series in India and Sri Lanka and home Tests against England.
The day New Zealand clinched the WTC21 Championship.
Sri Lanka
Series remaining: New Zealand (2 Tests, home), England (3 Tests, away), South Africa (2 Tests, away), Australia (2 Tests, home)
Sri Lanka’s 2-0 Test series victory in Bangladesh has boosted their standings, but they face tougher challenges ahead. They have five big away Test matches in England and South Africa, which could seriously dent their prospects of finishing within the top two. The home assignments against Australia and New Zealand are no less challenging.