World Test Championship 2023-25

[jnaveen1980]

I hope Australia continue ignoring Bangladesh 7 years running. As a neutral i love that !

 

[sweep_shot]

I hope Australia continue ignoring Bangladesh 7 years running. As a neutral i love that !

Why are you spamming the thread? What has this have to do with the thread?

Australia can ignore Bangladesh. I have no problem. I am not high on nationalism. I don't even live in Bangladesh. LOL.

I think it is time to put you on ignore. Enough of your stupidity.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Ouch.. Mission accomplished. About the WTC , i am not sure if NZ will still be in the race. But if Australia lose this one they could be in trouble should they lose to India later this year.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

WTC Points Table after AUS vs NZ Test Series.

 

[Vikram1989]

Wtc final qualification criteria for all the teams

For aus ,inda finals both teams can qualify with 58 percent.for other teams to surpass one of aus/ind ,they have to score 60

 

[JaDed]

I hope Aussies will win this one. I want to see them in final. As a neutral, I love watching them play final and dominate.

you are if anything a neutral, having said that Aussies are easily the best in sports overall and esp cricket.

Something about these Western nations that make them better than South Asians, Arabs Turks in sports and field of science.

 

[JaDed]

Wtc final qualification criteria for all the teams

For aus ,inda finals both teams can qualify with 58 percent.for other teams to surpass one of aus/ind ,they have to score 60View attachment 142683

Saffers can do it, England is the only one that looks like they won’t make it.

Pakistan actually has a very good chance but I think they will ruin it with their pitches.

 

[Vikram1989]

Saffers can do it, England is the only one that looks like they won’t make it.

Problem is they have 2 test matches in paddy fields of bangladesh. I don't think they can survive. If aus,ind series is 3to 2 ,then both aus and ind will go through. We have 5 matches against nz,bng so we should be through.

 

[sweep_shot]

Something about these Western nations that make them better than South Asians, Arabs Turks in sports

Yeah. It is their fitness and diet. It gives them an edge.

But, then again, England aren't that great like the Aussies even though they have similar cultures/diets. It is probably the mindset. Aussies have a stronger mindset.

Test is Australia's strongest format and I expect them to win many WTC trophies.

 

[JaDed]

Yeah. It is their fitness and diet. It gives them an edge.

But, then again, England aren't that great like the Aussies even though they have similar cultures/diets. It is probably the mindset. Aussies have a stronger mindset.

Test is Australia's strongest format and I expect them to win many WTC trophies.

OdI and Tests. They don’t care about T20 and still have a wc.

Even in hockey they are world champions.

Aussies and Americans are sports oriented.

 

[Mockingbird]

Wonder why all WTC finals have to be in England. Why can’t the final venues be rotated?

 

[boomboomcheema]

Wonder why all WTC finals have to be in England. Why can’t the final venues be rotated?

Best Venue for Test Cricket where equal support for home and as well as Neutral teams is guaranteed due to presence of huge diaspora of all Cricket playing Nations.

 

[JaDed]

Wonder why all WTC finals have to be in England. Why can’t the final venues be rotated?

Absolutely I rather see one in UAE than again England maybe then they would make it to finals.

 

[JaDed]

Best Venue for Test Cricket where equal support for home and as well as Neutral teams is guaranteed due to presence of huge diaspora of all Cricket playing Nations.

Aus would be same. England has same kind of pitches suiting swing over spin and pace.

 

[charlie007]

Jay Shah will bring the WTC Finals to Ahmedabad in 2027.

 

[Mockingbird]

Best Venue for Test Cricket where equal support for home and as well as Neutral teams is guaranteed due to presence of huge diaspora of all Cricket playing Nations.

That doesn’t make sense - in that case why ICC events not conducted only in England but are rotated across the playing nations?

 

[JattMaula]

Wonder why all WTC finals have to be in England. Why can’t the final venues be rotated?

WTC finals are in England because there is almost no chance of it being a home match for a team.

 

[jnaveen1980]

If not India have the WTC final in Srilanka !! Why surfaces suitable for Australia. Steve smith played county cricket right before WTC final. Indians played IPL right before WTC final. If India can't change venue atleast they should have schedule changed. Cannot play a one off Test after completely drained out in IPL for a month. BCCI for all their "current interest" towards Test did not bother to check WTC final schedule. It is better they scrap this fake tournament final. Whoever tops the table are champions.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

NO.	TEAM	PLAYED	WON	LOST	DRAW	POINT DEDUCTIONS	POINTS	POINT PERCENTAGE
1	INDIA	9	6	2	1	-2	74	68.51
2	AUSTRALIA	12	8	3	1	-10	90	62.50
3	NEW ZEALAND	6	3	3	0	0	36	50.00
4	PAKISTAN	5	2	3	0	-2	22	36.66
5	WEST INDIES	4	1	2	1	0	16	33.33
6	SRI LANKA	3	1	2	0	0	12	33.33
=	BANGLADESH	3	1	2	0	0	12	33.33
8	SOUTH AFRICA	4	1	3	0	0	12	25.00
9	ENGLAND	10	3	6	1	-19	21	17.5

Updated on 25 March, 2024 after first Bangladesh v Sri Lanka Test.

 

[Advaith]

If not India have the WTC final in Srilanka !! Why surfaces suitable for Australia. Steve smith played county cricket right before WTC final. Indians played IPL right before WTC final. If India can't change venue atleast they should have schedule changed. Cannot play a one off Test after completely drained out in IPL for a month. BCCI for all their "current interest" towards Test did not bother to check WTC final schedule. It is better they scrap this fake tournament final. Whoever tops the table are champions.

Ya whoever tops the table make them champion will be good idea or play 3 match final in neutral venues .. keeping one single final in Sena pitches is injustice to non Sena teams..

 

[BouncerGuy]

Sri Lanka overtake Pakistan to climb World Test Championship standings

The island nation move up to fourth on the latest standings courtesy of their impressive victory, while Bangladesh drop to equal seventh.

Sri Lanka have boosted their chances of reaching next year's ICC World Test Championship final with an emphatic 192-run victory over Bangladesh in the second Test in Chattogram.

The Asian side wrapped up the win during the opening session on the fifth day of the final Test of the two-match series, with Khaled Ahmed the final Bangladesh batter to fall at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium as Sri Lanka clinched a comfortable 2-0 series sweep.

The victory sees Sri Lanka overtake Pakistan and move up to fourth place on the updated World Test Championship standings with a 50 percent points percentage, with India (first), Australia (second) and New Zealand (third) the only teams ahead of them.

Sri Lanka still have two home series to come this cycle, with matches scheduled against New Zealand later this year and then another two Tests at home against Australia in early 2025.

Their next assignment is a three-match series in England commencing in August and the island nation will head into those contests full of confidence following an impressive series triumph in Bangladesh.

Sri Lanka dominated the majority of the series away from home, with Kamindu Mendis finishing the series as the leading run-scorer with 367 runs at an average of 122.33.

Mendis hit an unbeaten 92 during the first innings as Sri Lanka amassed a whopping total of 531 and their bowlers quickly backed up their efforts by dismissing Bangladesh for just 178 in reply.

Fast bowler Asitha Fernando was the pick of Sri Lanka's bowlers with four wickets in the first innings, while fellow quick Lahiru Kumara collected his own four-wicket haul in the second innings to help clinch the victory.

Bangladesh drop to equal seventh on the updated World Test Championship standings, with their next series coming in Pakistan later this year when they travel for two Test matches.

ICC

 

[AMSS]

South Africa are a very good chance of featuring in their first final of a world event.

They have easy home and away fixtures.

AUS have to defeat India with a good margin and then hope to overcome SL away. Not easy. But not insurmountable either.

India have two easy home fixtures but a really tough one away against AUS. I do not foresee India triumphing 3rd time in a row. They should be hoping to draw one and win one and that might just be enough to secure a place in final.

 

[Statpadder Inc]

South Africa are a very good chance of featuring in their first final of a world event.

They have easy home and away fixtures.

AUS have to defeat India with a good margin and then hope to overcome SL away. Not easy. But not insurmountable either.

India have two easy home fixtures but a really tough one away against AUS. I do not foresee India triumphing 3rd time in a row. They should be hoping to draw one and win one and that might just be enough to secure a place in final.

Didn't they win the 1998 ct

 

[BouncerGuy]

Star performers lead the way in World Test Championship 2023-25 action

With the conclusion of the second Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Chattogram, the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 completes an important chapter in its journey.

From the West Indies' heist at The Gabba to India’s brilliant fightback at home against Ben Stokes’ England, the third edition of the World Test Championship (WTC) has already thrown up some tight contests and unexpected results.

At this stage, Rohit Sharma’s India are atop the WTC table with a point percentage of 68.51. Australia and New Zealand are placed second and third place respectively.

With the WTC set to enter a temporary hiatus until after the completion of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in June, we look at who is leading the way in a host of key statistical categories in this edition of the World Test Championship.

Most Runs

India’s rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal, who made his debut in this cycle of the WTC, leads the runs charts with 1028 runs at an average of 68.53. The majority of runs for the opener came in the five-game Test series against England, in which he scored a whopping 712 runs.

Close in on the second place is ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year 2023, Usman Khawaja with 943 runs.

England’s Zak Crawley (887 runs) has been impressive in this iteration of the WTC and sits at the third place.

Most runs in WTC 23-25

Batter	Team	Runs	Average
Yashasvi Jaiswal	India	1028	68.53
Usman Khawaja	Australia	943	41
Zak Crawley	England	887	46.68
Mitchell Marsh	Australia	750	46.87
Steve Smith	Australia	738	35.14

Most Wickets

Reigning World Test Championship winners Australia lead the mark when it comes to the highest wicket-takers in this ongoing cycle of Test action.

Pacer Josh Hazlewood is the only player with more than 50 wickets so far. His best figures during this run came in a match-winning 9/79 against the West Indies in Adelaide earlier this year.

Josh Hazlewood has gained valuable insight into Virat Kohli's success during a two-year stint playing alongside the India star ahead of the World Test Championship Final

He is followed by fellow Australian fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, who are evenly placed at 48. Nathan Lyon is fourth, while India’s Ravichandran Ashwin sits at the fifth place.

Most wickets in WTC 23-25

Bowler	Team	Wickets	Average
Josh Hazlewood	Australia	51	20.45
Pat Cummins	Australia	48	26.2
Mitchell Starc	Australia	48	28.37
Nathan Lyon	Australia	43	21.79
R Ashwin	India	42	21.69

Highest Score

Southpaws lead the list when it comes to the highest scores in the championship. At the top is Rachin Ravindra, whose 240 won New Zealand the opening Test against South Africa in Mount Maunganui.

Rachin Ravindra breaks a 24-year New Zealand record with a superb double century!

Jaiswal’s sublime back-to-back double tons against England in Vizag and Rajkot occupy second and third places on this list, while Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel and Abdullah Shafique sit at the fourth and fifth place courtesy of their rich returns against Sri Lanka in July 2023.

Highest scores in WTC 23-25

Batter	Team	Opposition	Score
Rachin Ravindra	New Zealand	South Africa	240
Yashasvi Jaiswal	India	England	214*
Yashasvi Jaiswal	India	England	209
Saud Shakeel	Pakistan	Sri Lanka	208*
Abdullah Shafique	Pakistan	Sri Lanka	201

Best Figures in an innings

Tom Hartley’s stunning 7/62 that helped England beat India in Hyderabad is the best performance by a bowler thus far. Matt Henry’s 7/67 and Shamar Joseph’s 7/68 are the second and third-best efforts. Both of these came against Australia.

Shamar Joseph delivered a masterclass against the Aussies in the second Test

While Australia overcame Henry’s brilliance by three wickets, Joseph’s rampage in the fourth innings led to a rare defeat for the Aussies at The Gabba.

Best bowling figures in WTC 23-25

Bowler	Team	Opposition	Figures
Tom Hartley	England	India	7/62
Matt Henry	New Zealand	Australia	7/67
Shamar Joseph	West Indies	Australia	7/68
Noman Ali	Pakistan	Sri Lanka	7/70
R Ashwin	India	West Indies	7/71

Most Catches by a fielder

Australia’s Steve Smith has taken some brilliant catches to lead this list, with 26 catches from merely 23 innings. His Ashes rival, Joe Root sits closely behind at 21 catches. Ben Duckett and Agha Salman follow at third and fourth place, whereas six players are tied at the fifth spot.

Most catches in WTC 23-25

Fielder	Team	Catches
Steve Smith	Australia	26
Joe Root	England	21
Ben Duckett	England	13
Agha Salman	Pakistan	11

Highest Totals

In the fourth Ashes Test in Manchester in July 2023, Zak Crawley’s 189 guided England to 592 in merely 107.4 overs. It remains the highest total in this edition of WTC.

In the same month, Pakistan posted 576/5 dec against Sri Lanka, scored at a brisk rate of more than four runs an over. This is the second-highest total this cycle.

In the recently concluded Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the latter posted 531, which was the highest Test innings total without a century. This is the third-highest score of the cycle.

ICC

 

[BouncerGuy]

Where each team stands in the current World Test Championship cycle

We take a look at the status of each team and what lies ahead as the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle heads into the closing stages.

The ICC World Test Championship is interestingly poised with the finalists from the previous edition at the top of the standings with the tournament set to begin a short break as focus shifts to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in June.

India and Australia occupy the top two positions but aren’t without competition.

New Zealand and Sri Lanka - with point percentages of 50 percent apiece - are right on their heels while other teams lower down the table will still fancy their chances of reaching the final with several key series to go before the final showdown in mid-2025.

India

Series remaining: Bangladesh (2 Tests, home), New Zealand (3 Tests, home), Australia (5 Tests, away)

India started the cycle with a 1-0 series victory in the West Indies before they drew a hard-fought series in South Africa. Returning home for the five-match Test series against England, India lost the first Test in a significant blow, but despite the absence of several key players, went on to win each of the next four Tests to climb to the top of the WTC25 standings.

While five home Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand could help India consolidate their place at the top, all eyes will be on the five-match away series in Australia, a place they have had success in of late.

The India squad fronts the cameras ahead of the ICC World Test Championship Final

Australia

Series remaining: India (5 Tests, home), Sri Lanka (2 Tests, away)

Australia, the defending champions, started the cycle with a grueling five-match Test series against a rejuvenated England away from home and managed to retain the Ashes with a 2-2 series scoreline.

A 3-0 series win over Pakistan at home saw Australia climb to the top of the table, but a shock Test loss to a Shamar Joseph-inspired West Indies saw them drop crucial points. The series ended 1-1 but Australia quickly regrouped to seal a 2-0 away victory over New Zealand.

They have stiff challenges lying ahead, though, with two away Tests against Sri Lanka in the sub-continent to follow their five-match home Test series against India, an opponent they haven’t quite had success over at home in the recent past.

New Zealand

Series remaining: Sri Lanka (2 Tests, away), India (3 Tests, away), England (3 Tests, home)

New Zealand blanked a second-string South African Test side at home to climb up the WTC25 standings, but haven’t quite been at their best otherwise.

They drew a two-match Test series in Bangladesh before being beaten 2-0 at home by Australia.

They have bigger challenges awaiting them in the cycle with a three-match away series in India and three home Tests against England aside from two Tests again in the sub-continent when they tour Sri Lanka, a place where their last and only Test series win came in 1984.

Sri Lanka

Series remaining: New Zealand (2 Tests, home), England (3 Tests, away), South Africa (2 Tests, away), Australia (2 Tests, home)

Sri Lanka will be buoyed by their 2-0 Test series victory in Bangladesh as it sees them climb up the standings ahead of tougher assignments in the cycle.

They were hit early in the current cycle with a 2-0 loss to Pakistan at home, but three back-to-back Test wins over Afghanistan and Bangladesh have seen them jump to the top half of the standings.

They have five big away Test matches in England and South Africa, though, which could seriously dent their prospects of finishing within the top two.

The home assignments aren’t any easier either with Australia and New Zealand set to tour the island nation during the cycle.

Pakistan

Series remaining: Bangladesh (2 Tests, home), England (3 Tests, home), South Africa (2 Tests, away), West Indies (2 Tests, home)

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka 2-0 in their backyard in a terrific start to the cycle, but despite putting up a strong fight Down Under in Australia, lost all three Test matches.

They will still be encouraged by the fact that three of their remaining four Test series are at home - against Bangladesh, England and West Indies.

The toughest challenge will be the away series in South Africa in December-January.

West Indies

Series remaining: England (3 Tests, away), Bangladesh (2 Tests, home), South Africa (2 Tests, home), Pakistan (2 Tests, away)

West Indies made a solid impression in the cycle with an away Test win in Australia. Rain saw one of the two home Tests against India end in a draw, but it was in the tour Down Under that West Indies really put up a strong impression, especially with their pace attack.

They have four home Tests against Bangladesh and South Africa and if they can win three of those, West Indies could put themselves in a decent position.

Bangladesh

Series remaining: India (2 Tests, away), Pakistan (2 Tests, away), South Africa (2 Tests, home), West Indies (2 Tests, away)

Despite starting the cycle with back-to-back Test wins, over Afghanistan and New Zealand respectively, Bangladesh are going to need everything to go their way if they are to reach a first World Test Championship final.

They lost 2-0 to Sri Lanka at home and have big away assignments in India, Pakistan and West Indies.

The Tigers will hope to take some points from the two-match home series against the Proteas.

South Africa

Series remaining: West Indies (2 Tests, away), Bangladesh (2 Tests, away), Pakistan (2 Tests, home), Sri Lanka (2 Tests, home)

Despite being eighth in the WTC25 standings, South Africa aren’t entirely without hope in the current World Test Championship cycle.

They have relatively lower-ranked opposition to face in the upcoming series with four Test matches at home against Asian opposition.

A 2-0 away series loss to New Zealand with a weakened squad significantly dented South Africa’s hopes of reaching the final, but a good second half to the cycle could see them push some of the top teams in the table.

England

Series remaining: West Indies (3 Tests, home), Sri Lanka (3 Tests, home), Pakistan (3 Tests, away), New Zealand (3 Tests, away)

England ended the previous World Test Championship with five successive Test wins under a new regime led by the impressive partnership between Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes. A fighting Ashes at home saw them level the series, but a significant blow came later when they were penalised 19 World Test Championship (WTC) points for maintaining a slow over-rate.

With a 4-1 loss to India at home, England are now at the bottom of the points table. They have two home series against West Indies and Sri Lanka and tougher away assignments against Pakistan and New Zealand awaiting them.

ICC

 

[The Bald Eagle]

The ICC World Test Championship is interestingly poised with the finalists from the previous edition at the top of the standings with the tournament set to begin a short break as focus shifts to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in June.

India and Australia occupy the top two positions but aren’t without competition.

New Zealand and Sri Lanka - with point percentages of 50 percent apiece - are right on their heels while other teams lower down the table will still fancy their chances of reaching the final with several key series to go before the final showdown in mid-2025.

World Test Championship 2023-25 Standings

India
Series remaining: Bangladesh (2 Tests, home), New Zealand (3 Tests, home), Australia (5 Tests, away)

India started the cycle with a 1-0 series victory in the West Indies before they drew a hard-fought series in South Africa. Returning home for the five-match Test series against England, India lost the first Test in a significant blow, but despite the absence of several key players, went on to win each of the next four Tests to climb to the top of the WTC25 standings.

While five home Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand could help India consolidate their place at the top, all eyes will be on the five-match away series in Australia, a place they have had success in of late.

Australia
Series remaining: India (5 Tests, home), Sri Lanka (2 Tests, away)

Australia, the defending champions, started the cycle with a grueling five-match Test series against a rejuvenated England away from home and managed to retain the Ashes with a 2-2 series scoreline.

A 3-0 series win over Pakistan at home saw Australia climb to the top of the table, but a shock Test loss to a Shamar Joseph-inspired West Indies saw them drop crucial points. The series ended 1-1 but Australia quickly regrouped to seal a 2-0 away victory over New Zealand.

They have stiff challenges lying ahead, though, with two away Tests against Sri Lanka in the sub-continent to follow their five-match home Test series against India, an opponent they haven’t quite had success over at home in the recent past.

New Zealand
Series remaining: Sri Lanka (2 Tests, away), India (3 Tests, away), England (3 Tests, home)

New Zealand blanked a second-string South African Test side at home to climb up the WTC25 standings, but haven’t quite been at their best otherwise.

They drew a two-match Test series in Bangladesh before being beaten 2-0 at home by Australia.

They have bigger challenges awaiting them in the cycle with a three-match away series in India and three home Tests against England aside from two Tests again in the sub-continent when they tour Sri Lanka, a place where their last and only Test series win came in 1984.

Sri Lanka
Series remaining: New Zealand (2 Tests, home), England (3 Tests, away), South Africa (2 Tests, away), Australia (2 Tests, home)

Sri Lanka will be buoyed by their 2-0 Test series victory in Bangladesh as it sees them climb up the standings ahead of tougher assignments in the cycle.

They were hit early in the current cycle with a 2-0 loss to Pakistan at home, but three back-to-back Test wins over Afghanistan and Bangladesh have seen them jump to the top half of the standings.

They have five big away Test matches in England and South Africa, though, which could seriously dent their prospects of finishing within the top two.

The home assignments aren’t any easier either with Australia and New Zealand set to tour the island nation during the cycle.

Pakistan
Series remaining: Bangladesh (2 Tests, home), England (3 Tests, home), South Africa (2 Tests, away), West Indies (2 Tests, home)

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka 2-0 in their backyard in a terrific start to the cycle, but despite putting up a strong fight Down Under in Australia, lost all three Test matches.

They will still be encouraged by the fact that three of their remaining four Test series are at home - against Bangladesh, England and West Indies.

The toughest challenge will be the away series in South Africa in December-January.

West Indies
Series remaining: England (3 Tests, away), Bangladesh (2 Tests, home), South Africa (2 Tests, home), Pakistan (2 Tests, away)

West Indies made a solid impression in the cycle with an away Test win in Australia. Rain saw one of the two home Tests against India end in a draw, but it was in the tour Down Under that West Indies really put up a strong impression, especially with their pace attack.

They have four home Tests against Bangladesh and South Africa and if they can win three of those, West Indies could put themselves in a decent position.

Bangladesh
Series remaining: India (2 Tests, away), Pakistan (2 Tests, away), South Africa (2 Tests, home), West Indies (2 Tests, away)

Despite starting the cycle with back-to-back Test wins, over Afghanistan and New Zealand respectively, Bangladesh are going to need everything to go their way if they are to reach a first World Test Championship final.

They lost 2-0 to Sri Lanka at home and have big away assignments in India, Pakistan and West Indies.

The Tigers will hope to take some points from the two-match home series against the Proteas.

South Africa
Series remaining: West Indies (2 Tests, away), Bangladesh (2 Tests, away), Pakistan (2 Tests, home), Sri Lanka (2 Tests, home)

Despite being eighth in the WTC25 standings, South Africa aren’t entirely without hope in the current World Test Championship cycle.

They have relatively lower-ranked opposition to face in the upcoming series with four Test matches at home against Asian opposition.

A 2-0 away series loss to New Zealand with a weakened squad significantly dented South Africa’s hopes of reaching the final, but a good second half to the cycle could see them push some of the top teams in the table.

England
Series remaining: West Indies (3 Tests, home), Sri Lanka (3 Tests, home), Pakistan (3 Tests, away), New Zealand (3 Tests, away)

England ended the previous World Test Championship with five successive Test wins under a new regime led by the impressive partnership between Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes. A fighting Ashes at home saw them level the series, but a significant blow came later when they were penalised 19 World Test Championship (WTC) points for maintaining a slow over-rate.

With a 4-1 loss to India at home, England are now at the bottom of the points table. They have two home series against West Indies and Sri Lanka and tougher away assignments against Pakistan and New Zealand awaiting them.

Source: ICC

 

[Devadwal]

Another India - Australia WTC loading

 

[FearlessRoar]

England secured a convincing victory over West Indies in the first Test at Lord's Cricket Ground, winning by an innings and 144 runs. Despite this dominant performance, England's position in the rankings remained unchanged at ninth, with a modest four wins from 11 matches. Their struggles in the Test series against India earlier this year and a disappointing Ashes campaign in 2023 have hindered their progress. To improve their standing, England must achieve significant wins in their upcoming matches. On the other hand, West Indies' defeat did not impact their sixth-place ranking, but their points percentage dropped from 33.33 to 26.66. India leads the rankings with 74 points from nine Tests, followed closely by Australia with 90 points from 12 matches. New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan complete the top five, with 36, 24, and 22 points, respectively.

 

[FearlessRoar]

STANDINGS​

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Big change on World Test Championship standings following England's Trent Bridge triumph

England overtake three sides on the standings after a series-clinching victory in Nottingham.

England have moved off the bottom of he ICC World Test Championship standings and kept in touch with the competition pacesetters with a comprehensive 241-run victory over the West Indies in the second Test of their series in Nottingham.

The hosts wrapped up the series-clinching triumph late on the fourth day, with spinner Shoaib Bashir (5/41) claiming the third five-wicket haul of his career to help England dismissed the West Indies for just 143 in pursuit of 385 for victory.

It means England now hold a 2-0 series lead in the three-match series against the West Indies and Ben Stokes' side get the chance to clinch a series sweep when the third and final Test commences in Birmingham on Friday.

it also helps England jump up the World Test Championship standings, with the victory catapulting the European side past South Africa, Bangladesh and West Indies and into sixth place on the current table.

England hold a 31.25 percentage of possible points from 12 Tests this period and still have another 10 Test matches remaining between now and the end of the year to try and earn a place at next year's World Test Championship final at Lord's.

A place in the one-off Test final has been missing for England through the first two editions of the World Test Championship series, but they could still rise as high as 62.5 percent with victories in their remaining 10 Test matches.

Following the final match of the series against the West Indies, England host Sri Lanka for three Tests on home soil from the end of next month and then embark on tours of Pakistan in October and New Zealand in November and December for further three-match series.

The West Indies fall to ninth on the standings with a 22.22 percent win-loss percentage following the late fadeout against England at Trent Bridge and have seven Tests remaining this period against England (one), South Africa (two), Bangladesh (two) and Pakistan (two).

Big change on World Test Championship standings following England's Trent Bridge triumph

England overtake three sides on the standings after a series-clinching victory in Nottingham.

www.icc-cricket.com

 

[jnaveen1980]

England has to be wary of penalty. That is where stokes let England down.

 

[U$ofA]

I wonder what percentage of cricket fans actually care about this farce called WTC.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

I wonder what percentage of cricket fans actually care about this farce called WTC.

True

The most useless cricketing event ever

 

[jnaveen1980]

I wonder what percentage of cricket fans actually care about this farce called WTC.

This WTC was introduced to make every game more meaningful. But this penalty took the edge of it.

 

[U$ofA]

True

The most useless cricketing event ever

This WTC was introduced to make every game more meaningful. But this penalty took the edge of it.

I have never seen anything like this in the sports world.

1. Likely the longest ever sports tournament in the history of sports. Goes on for 2-3 years.
2. No structured scheduled. Anyone can play anyone as they please.
3. Playing and winning the same type of game (test match) is worth different points! Takes the cake in my opinion.
4. Longest ever final in history of sports. Scheduled to go on for five days.

For the above reasons, no one knows or cares when the "tournament" started or is ending!

 

[kron]

I hope Aussies will win this one. I want to see them in final. As a neutral, I love watching them play final and dominate.

No love for Asian teams?

 

[kron]

Wtc final qualification criteria for all the teams

For aus ,inda finals both teams can qualify with 58 percent.for other teams to surpass one of aus/ind ,they have to score 60View attachment 142683

You know SA can very well beat all those teams and win 7 out of 8 tbh.

Easy vs pak
Easy vs sl
Although sl can trouble them
Ban away will be tough might lose one
They always hammer w.indies away anyway

So yes 7/8 on the cards

Hopefully india vs SA.

India win again.

 

[kron]

Yeah. It is their fitness and diet. It gives them an edge.

But, then again, England aren't that great like the Aussies even though they have similar cultures/diets. It is probably the mindset. Aussies have a stronger mindset.

Test is Australia's strongest format and I expect them to win many WTC trophies.

Odi is their strongest format.

Not tests. One fluke wtc doesn't mean they are the best. They lost 4 tests series to India. In a row.

India will finally lose this upcoming one but yes odi is their strongest format.

 

[sweep_shot]

No love for Asian teams?

It is not that. I root for Afghanistan and Pakistan. SL too sometimes.

I just like the Aussie team. Been a fan of their cricket since 2000.

 

[kron]

Even if india wins the wtc but loses the series to aus then its a failure for me

I would take series win away in SEA over wtc final anyday all day.

Rubbish wtc final needs to be abolished.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Probably the least hyped event from ICC. WTC??? No one really cares about it. ICC should just scrap this event.

 

[Red-Indian]

You know SA can very well beat all those teams and win 7 out of 8 tbh.

Easy vs pak
Easy vs sl
Although sl can trouble them
Ban away will be tough might lose one
They always hammer w.indies away anyway

So yes 7/8 on the cards

Hopefully india vs SA.

India win again.

Yeah I'd love for South Africa to make it for a change but 7 of 8 is very tricky. Sri Lanka at hope has been a banana peel for them and Bangladesh will have the ball turning square.

India has the inside track with it's remaining fixtures and Australia could easily do better than 4 of 7.

Close to 90% chance of a repeat India-Australia final.

 

[U$ofA]

Probably the least hyped event from ICC. WTC??? No one really cares about it. ICC should just scrap this event.

Even the people supposedly running it, the ICC could not care less.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Yep

Even the people supposedly running it, the ICC could not care less.

There is literally no interest in this event.

 

[jnaveen1980]

I have never seen anything like this in the sports world.

1. Likely the longest ever sports tournament in the history of sports. Goes on for 2-3 years.
2. No structured scheduled. Anyone can play anyone as they please.
3. Playing and winning the same type of game (test match) is worth different points! Takes the cake in my opinion.
4. Longest ever final in history of sports. Scheduled to go on for five days.

For the above reasons, no one knows or cares when the "tournament" started or is ending!

WTC final doesn't have level playing field because of it. One team plays the WTC final right after a Test series in the same conditions against home side. Another team plays the WTC final right after IPL. And the conditions have to be neutral even in alien conditions. So this probably is the dumbest idea even though India will keep on entering the final. They should bring back the test mace and be done with it.

 

[TheRock]

Probably the least hyped event from ICC. WTC??? No one really cares about it. ICC should just scrap this event.

On top of that, WTC Final (which is the most crucial match of that ICC test cycle) is being held in the same country every time. Makes it quite monotonous/boring. Also gives undue advantage to Eng. It's a different story that Eng hv been unable to reach the Final till date. Imagine if Eng had made it to the Finals each time (and with the home advantage), they would hv most likely won all of them.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Even the people supposedly running it, the ICC could not care less.

This event is exclusively for India/Australia/England/NZ/SA. Others just have to pick a team and root for it. If anything it is a India vs Some team final.

 

[Mesozoic]

WTC as a concept is good enough. But the issue is with the farcical "final" in the same country again and again just for the sake of it.

Just crown the no.1 team in the standings at the end of each cycle ala football league style and be done with it. Why on earth would you still need a one off final to decide the best even after 24 freaking months of hard toiling across varying conditions?

 

[sweep_shot]

WTC as a concept is good enough. But the issue is with the farcical "final" in the same country again and again just for the sake of it.

Just crown the no.1 team in the standings at the end of each cycle ala football league style and be done with it. Why on earth would you still need a one off final to decide the best even after 24 freaking months of hard toiling across varying conditions?

A World Cup needs a final.

But, I think they should make the final a 3-match series.

 

[Mesozoic]

A World Cup needs a final.

But, I think they should make the final a 3-match series.

How on earth is it a World Cup ?

Which world cup is 2 years long and has teams playing unequal number of games with unequal number of points at stake per stake?

 

[sweep_shot]

How on earth is it a World Cup ?

Which world cup is 2 years long and has teams playing unequal number of games with unequal number of points at stake per stake?

This is considered as a Test World Cup. World Test Championship.

 

[Mesozoic]

This is considered as a Test World Cup. World Test Championship.

Championship is not the same as a World cup.

World cups happen under a single umbrella. ICC has nothing to do with 99% of this 2 year long tournament until they display their event management skills for the one off final. Try to make sense for once..

 

[sweep_shot]

Championship is not the same as a World cup.

World cups happen under a single umbrella. ICC has nothing to do with 99% of this 2 year long tournament until they display their event management skills for the one off final. Try to make sense for once..

You can give it any fancy name you want. But, it is supposed to be the flagship Test event. This is the silverware for Test format.

 

[Mesozoic]

You can give it any fancy name you want. But, it is supposed to be the flagship Test event. This is the silverware for Test format.

Bruh what?

So just because it's a flagship event, it must have a final? What kind of a logic is that? Does the La liga or the Premier League have a final just because they're the "flagship" domestic football tournaments in those countries?

 

[deltexas]

The purpose of having a wtc final is to make every test meaningful and vital. Previously a team winning a 5 match series 3-0 would just resr and go easy and make the 2 remaining matches meaningless . Also this was created to reduce draws as draws get no points
But now with wtc points at stake in every match - and draws getting no points - teams play to ein every single test match with their best players. That's the concept snd I think it's been working pretty good so far.. test cricket needs as much help as it can as it's popularity is diminishing

 

[FearlessRoar]

Standings​

World Test Championship: State of Play ahead of next year's final

With the third edition of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 in full swing, a look at how the sides stand in the quest to reach next year's final at Lord's.

England have made major strides in the WTC 23-25 Table after a comprehensive 3-0 series win over West Indies at home. They would look to make further progress in their remaining nine encounters to make the best possible case for a spot in the one-off Test in 2025.

As things stand, the previous edition’s finalists, India and Australia lead the points table. New Zealand, Sri Lanka, England and Pakistan occupy the middle spots, while South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies take the final three positions.
There’s a lot more cricket to be played in this WTC cycle, and we look at each side’s prospects of making the final.

First - 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%

Having finished three of the six mandatory WTC series, India are well on track for a third-successive appearance in the one-off showcase Test.

India began the cycle with a confident victory in the West Indies (1-0) and fought back from early defeats in their following series, to draw against South Africa (away, 1-1), and win against England (home, 4-1).

Six wins from nine games is a brilliant start, and Rohit Sharma’s side would love to continue with the same intensity in their remaining 10 matches. India are one of the most dominant sides in their backyard, and would look to gain the maximum points from their five upcoming encounters at home against Bangladesh and New Zealand respectively.

Their final challenge will be a daunting five-Test series against Australia away from home in the eagerly awaited battle for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

While India have historically struggled away from home, they can take heart from their recent results Down Under, where they tasted success in 2018/19 and 2020/21.

Second - Australia - 62.50% of possible points​

Remaining series: India (home, five Tests), Sri Lanka (away, two Tests)

Best possible finish: 76.32%

The holders of the WTC mace are well placed for their second successive appearance in the final.

They began the cycle with an enthralling Ashes encounter, winning the first two Tests of the series before England pulled things back to secure a 2-2 drawn series.

Australia shifted base to home and overcame a spirited Pakistan side with a 3-0 triumph at home. They continued their winning run against the West Indies, with a 10-wicket victory in the first Test in Adelaide before a Shamar Joseph special led to a shock defeat in the second Test at the Gabba.

However, Australia bounced back with a 2-0 win in the Trans-Tasman battle against New Zealand. A good run against India in the home summer and against Sri Lanka away from home early next year can significantly boost Australia’s chances of reaching the final.

Third - 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 (1-1), and a home series loss to Australia (0-2), New Zealand kept themselves in contention with a 2-0 clean sweep over South Africa at home.

However, the road isn’t as straightforward for Tim Southee’s side. Five of their upcoming Tests are in Asia, while their three-Test engagement comes against Ben Stokes’ England, who have regained their mojo with a solid performance against the West Indies at home.

Given their upcoming Asian challenge, it is certain that their spinners, including Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi and Glenn Phillips, will have to put their best foot forward if New Zealand are to feature in the final for a second time.

Fourth - 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 have featured in just four Tests in this cycle of the event.

They lost 2-0 against an impressive Pakistan side at home, before dominating Bangladesh in Bangladesh, to secure all 24 points from the remaining two Tests.

The islanders have their task cut out against four class opponents in the coming months.

While Sri Lanka’s pace attack was impressive in Bangladesh, it is their batting, carrying the experience of Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva and Dinesh Chandimal, which will need to do the heavy lifting to ensure competitive totals in the challenging conditions of England and South Africa.

In their home Tests, the spin attack will come in handy, but Dhananjaya’s team cannot underestimate their opponents (New Zealand and Australia), who have improved their returns in the sub-continent in recent times.

Fifth - 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 began their 2023-25 WTC cycle with a bang, defeating Sri Lanka comprehensively in the two-Test away engagement.

Despite showing plenty of fight with a new-look side in Australia, the Asian side failed to win any of their three Tests.

The good news for Shan Masood’s team is that seven of their nine upcoming Tests are at home. While Pakistan would back themselves to get the better of Bangladesh and the West Indies, a feisty England side awaits them in October.

The last time England visited the country, they won all three Tests. However, this is a much-improved Pakistan line-up with a new captain and new coach and one can expect engaging cricketing action as both sides vie for crucial WTC points.

Sixth - 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%

A dominant 3-0 series sweep over the West Indies at home has kept England's hopes alive of reaching the one-off final, but they cannot afford too many losses from this point on.

Ben Stokes' side will look to continue on their winning ways during a home series against Sri Lanka, while sterner tests await later in the year with scheduled away series locked in against Pakistan and New Zealand.

If England can register another clean sweep at home against Sri Lanka then they will be firmly in the mix to reach their first ever final.

Seventh - 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%

After a brilliant start to this edition of the WTC, with an innings truimph over India at Centurion, South Africa slipped up and conceded three straight losses.

They were undone by India’s pace attack in the next Test in Cape Town, whereas an understrength side failed to match up to the New Zealand challenge away from home.

However, the Proteas have plenty of opportunities to make up for their earlier performances.

They meet West Indies next, who have been rattled by a strong England side recently. South Africa also have recent historical advantage, having comprehensively beaten the Caribbean side when the two sides met in the West Indies in 2021.

In possession of a world-class bowling attack, Temba Bavuma’s side would back themselves to overcome the challenges in the upcoming months, whether at home or in Asia or the Caribbean, to secure a maiden WTC final spot.

Eighth - 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 gained 12 crucial points in their first Test of this WTC cycle after Taijul Islam’s 10-wicket haul secured a win over New Zealand in Sylhet.

However, led by Glenn Phillips, the Black Caps fought back and secured a tight four-wicket victory in Mirpur.

The Tigers were further dented by two additional losses to Asian rivals Sri Lanka at home in March-April 2024.

With eight more Tests remaining for them in the WTC 23-25, Bangladesh remain in contention, but will have to be at their very best against strong opponents like Pakistan, India and South Africa.

Ninth - 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%

The Caribbean side can afford few hiccups over their remaining six Tests, with their upcoming home series against South Africa crucial in any attempt to sneak into the final.

The West Indies' sole victory during this edition of the World Test Championship came against reigning winners Australia in Brisbane and Kraigg Brathwaite's side will need a string of similar performances if they are to rise the standings.

Following home series against the Proteas and Bangladesh, the West Indies face Pakistan away early in the new year to round out their campaign.

World Test Championship: State of Play ahead of next year's final

With the third edition of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 in full swing, a look at how the sides stand in the quest to reach next year's final at Lord's.

www.icc-cricket.com

 

[James]

Players have been punished enough by the financial penalties. The points deductions for over rates should all be wiped really. Stupid rule.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Looks like a third final on the trot for Bharat.

This time it’s coming home.

 

[Vikram1989]

So the draw between sa vs wi dented quite a bit of sa's wtc final chances.They have to win rest 5 matches and hope for the best. They can't even think of a draw due to rain. 2 matches in bgn may decide their chances.

 

[FearlessRoar]

The latest WTC 25 table after West Indies and South Africa play out a draw in Trinidad

 

[sweep_shot]

West Indies are still at the bottom of the table. I thought the draw would bring them up a bit.

BD-Windies Test series may determine who finish last.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Latest points table of WTC 2023-25 cycle after South Africa's win over West Indies:

 

[sweep_shot]

Latest points table of WTC 2023-25 cycle after South Africa's win over West Indies:

It seems like we may see India vs Australia in final. Other teams are quite behind.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Latest WTC Points Table after England win against Sri Lanka

 

[BouncerGuy]

Updated point table after Pakistan lost the game against Bangladesh:

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Updated points table after Pakistan and Bangladesh's fining

 

[sweep_shot]

Why the penalty? I don't understand.

Game didn't last full 5 days.

 

[maha3us]

There is one series in WTC, in which Bangladesh have to host South Africa. Will the series take place? Will they play this series in neutral venue?

 

[Red-Indian]

Why the penalty? I don't understand.

Game didn't last full 5 days.

It feels unfair but the daily over rate rules have been clear for years now so neither side can complain.

Actually it's fair enough for Pakistan to struggle to meet the rate with 4 quicks but inexcusable for Bangladesh to do so bowling primarily spinners.

Shows both sides are still rather unprofessional in tests really.

 

[Aang_The_last_airbender]

It feels unfair but the daily over rate rules have been clear for years now so neither side can complain.

Actually it's fair enough for Pakistan to struggle to meet the rate with 4 quicks but inexcusable for Bangladesh to do so bowling primarily spinners.

Shows both sides are still rather unprofessional in tests really.

I feel the rules are unevenly implemented.
I am sure the England were short by atleast 10 overs in Test series v/s WI but no deductions happened.

 

[maha3us]

I feel the rules are unevenly implemented.
I am sure the England were short by atleast 10 overs in Test series v/s WI but no deductions happened.

The point to be noted is England were deducted 19 points in the WTC for slow over rate in last year ashes. So we can't say rules are unevenly implemented.

 

[Red-Indian]

I feel the rules are unevenly implemented.
I am sure the England were short by atleast 10 overs in Test series v/s WI but no deductions happened.

Sorry...haven't been tracking that but I'd be surprised if the rules aren't clear yet. England, Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India (which certainly wouldn't take it lying down) have all faced points penalties for poor overrate this cycle.

I always excuse those for a bit on seamer heavy attacks. Very difficult to keep up the pace when you've got a spin heavy attack, it's not done.

 

[Aang_The_last_airbender]

Sorry...haven't been tracking that but I'd be surprised if the rules aren't clear yet. England, Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and India (which certainly wouldn't take it lying down) have all faced points penalties for poor overrate this cycle.

I always excuse those for a bit on seamer heavy attacks. Very difficult to keep up the pace when you've got a spin heavy attack, it's not done.

England were short by 10 overs even after consuming 30 mins extra time on a few days of the test. There was no rain delay or anything. There is no way to justify those delays. I am surprised they escaped penalty during the series.

 

[Abdullah]

What does Pakistan need to do to get to the final- what are the remaining fixtures- do i need to stop dreaming?!

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Bangladesh getting fined is wrong imo. It's fine if a team can't meet the over rate and still managed to win in the allotted time.

Pakistan absolutely deserve to be fined. Teams that slow the game down and still only manage to draw or lose a match should be severely punished.

 

[sweep_shot]

Once group stage is over, I expect rankings to look something like this:

1) India
2) Australia
3) England
4) South Africa
5) NZ
6) SL/BD/Pakistan
7) SL/BD/Pakistan
8) SL/BD/Pakistan
9) West Indies

Anyway, I expect the Aussies to win the final and become a 2-time WTC champion.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Updated WTC points Table after England's series win over Sri Lanka

 

[sweep_shot]

Updated WTC points Table after England's series win over Sri Lanka
View attachment 146053

England are looking good to finish 3rd or 4th. They may even finish among top 2 (if certain things go their way).

 

[Bhaijaan]

England are looking good to finish 3rd or 4th. They may even finish among top 2 (if certain things go their way).

England are not at our level.

They should stick to minnow bashing and allow Joe Root a bucket load of easy runs.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Dates confirmed for 2025 World Test Championship final

Lord's to host the third edition of the World Test Championship final from 11 June 2025.

The ICC have confirmed the dates for next year's ICC World Test Championship final at Lord's.

The one-off Test will be played at the iconic London venue from 11 to 15 June 2025, with 16 June available as a reserve day if required.

It will be the first time that Lord's has been used for the World Test Championship final, with Southhampton as the venue for the first edition (2021) and The Oval as the venue for the second edition (2023), that were won by New Zealand and Australia respectively.

The match will be played between the top two sides on the standings at the completion of the current cycle, with Rohit Sharma's India currently sitting in pole position ahead of reigning champions Australia.

There are still plenty of points available for teams though, with New Zealand (third), England (fourth), Sri Lanka (fifth), South Africa (sixth) and Bangladesh (seventh) still well in contention for a place in the one-off decider.

Fans will get the chance to register their interest for tickets for the World Test Championship final and ICC CEO Geoff Allardice expects demand to be high for the eagerly-awaited contest.

“The ICC World Test Championship Final has quickly become one of the most anticipated events in the cricketing calendar and we are pleased to announce the dates for the 2025 edition," Allardice said.

"It's a testament to the enduring appeal of Test cricket, which continues to captivate fans around the world. Tickets will be in high demand so I would encourage fans to register their interest now to ensure they are in with a chance of attending the Ultimate Test next year."

ICC

 

[BouncerGuy]

Pakistan going down faster than the speed of light.

Updated WTC points table after Humiliating clean sweep defeat of Pakistan against Bangladesh.