dravidthewall
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What are the chances for Bangladesh to qualify for WTC final
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Contact the PP Team
World Test Championship 2023-25
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Dhakar Pola
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sweep_shot
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Highly unlikely. LOL.
BD got whitewashed against Sri Lanka. That was a blow.
Anyway, they should take it one series at a time. I think BD can beat West Indies (away) and South Africa (home).
Dhakar Pola
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no way the current WI away, eventhough we now have a fast bowling to talk about the WI fast bowlers will eat us alive. recently the chew and spit Australia out
Bilal Ahmad15
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Bangladesh please make it the WTC final now
RyanRyan10
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If icc docks a point or more for slow over rate then Pak would be at the bottomPakistan going down faster than the speed of light.
Updated WTC points table after Humiliating clean sweep defeat of Pakistan against Bangladesh.
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World Test Championship: State of Play heading into the Final at Lord’s
All roads in the 2023-2025 World Test Championship cycle lead to Lord’s.
The ICC announced on Tuesday, September 3, that the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground will host the much-anticipated World Test Championship Final, set to begin on 11 June, 2025.
As the current two-year cycle enters its final stages, several teams are locked in a fierce battle for a chance to lift the coveted mace on the iconic Lord’s balcony.
With just over nine months remaining until the next edition of the Ultimate Test, we take a look at how the teams have performed so far and what lies ahead in the remainder of the cycle.
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%
India, the two-time finalists, currently lead the WTC25 standings with 68.52% of possible points. As one of the top contenders to secure a spot in the final at Lord’s, they will be determined to break their run of near misses.
After falling short in the 2021 and 2023 Finals, Rohit Sharma’s men will be driven by a strong desire to finally claim the title this time around.
India have been impressive in the current cycle, securing six wins from nine matches to claim the top spot in the standings. They kicked off their campaign with a 1-0 series victory over the West Indies, with the second match of the two-Test series ending in a rain-affected draw.
Their tour of South Africa presented a formidable challenge, particularly after they fell behind 1-0 in the opening Test. However, India displayed remarkable resilience, fighting back to level the two-match series at 1-1.
On home soil, where India are nearly unbeatable, England and their "Bazball" approach managed to breach their defences with a win in the opening Test. But India, undeterred, roared back in dominant fashion to claim a 4-1 series victory.
India have 10 matches remaining in this cycle, with half of them to be played at home. They are set to host Bangladesh later this month, followed by a visit from the Black Caps in October.
India have the opportunity to solidify their position for a WTC25 Final spot before their highly anticipated five-match Border-Gavaskar series in Australia. However, the outcome of this series could ultimately determine which teams claim the coveted top two spots.
The rivalry between India and Australia has become a modern classic. While India have held the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for nearly a decade, Australia have often prevailed in high-stakes encounters, including the World Test Championship Final in 2023 and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Final.
A key figure in Australia's mace-winning 2023 World Test Championship campaign, Nathan Lyon explains the competition's significance to him.
Second - Australia - 62.50% of possible points
Remaining series: India (home, five Tests), Sri Lanka (away, two Tests)
Best possible finish: 76.32%
Reigning World Test Championship holders Australia are on track for a second consecutive Final appearance. Under Pat Cummins, the already formidable Australian side has been transformed into a team of serial winners, and they will be hungry for more silverware to add to their collection.
Australia began the current World Test Championship cycle with a five-match series against their arch-rivals, England. They clinched victories in the first two Tests, both of which were nail-biting encounters, and secured a draw in the third. However, they were defeated in the final two matches by a spirited England side.
Full Match Highlights: The key moments from all five days of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2023 as Australia beat India by 209 runs to secure their first WTC mace
Returning to home turf, Australia dominated Pakistan with a 3-0 series sweep earlier this year, followed by a win against the West Indies. However, a Shamar Joseph special breached the Gabba and the Aussies as the hosts fell to defeat in the second Test of the series.
Australia quickly bounced back with a 2-0 victory over their Trans-Tasman rivals, New Zealand, securing the second spot in the standings. They have seven matches left in this cycle — five against India at home and two against Sri Lanka away.
While Australia may have triumphed over India on major occasions, reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy — which has eluded them for nearly a decade — will be a significant motivator. Additionally, India have won on their last two tours to Australia, a trend skipper Cummins will be keen to reverse this time around.
Two tons, classic catches and brilliant bowling - relive the most memorable moments of the ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final between Australia and India
Third - New Zealand - 50% of possible points
Results: Bangladesh (away, 1-1, draw), South Africa (home, 2-0, won), Australia, (home, 0-2, lost)
Remaining series: Sri Lanka (away, two Tests), India (away, three Tests), England (home, three Tests)
Best possible finish: 78.57%
The 2021 ICC World Test Championship winners had a mixed run in the first half of their 2023-25 WTC campaign. A spirited display in Bangladesh earned them a draw, and while the side had little difficulty in brushing aside a second-string South Africa at home, they fell short against trans-Tasman rivals Australia in both of their home Tests.
This leaves Tim Southee’s side with a slightly tricky prospect, wherein they’d need to do well away from home in Sri Lanka and India, and then overcome a resurgent England at home.
While the spinners will have a crucial role to play in their Asian journey, out-of-the-box thinking and making the best use of home resources might help them overcome Ben Stokes’ England.
Fourth - Bangladesh - 45.83% of possible points
Results: New Zealand (home, 1-1, draw), Sri Lanka (home, 0-2, lost), Pakistan (away, 2-0, won)
Remaining Series: India (away, two Tests), South Africa (home, two Tests), West Indies (away, two Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 75%
A 2-0 clean sweep of Pakistan has propelled Bangladesh into the top four and neck-deep in the running for a World Test Championship Final spot.
In a dominating performance, Bangladesh won by six wickets in the second Test, winning their first ever Test series against Pakistan.
Bangladesh began the campaign with a victory over New Zealand in Sylhet, though dropped 12 home points with a defeat in the second match of the home series in Mirpur, falling for under 200 in both innings.
Two thumping defeats against Sri Lanka at home curtailed a 2025 trip to Lord's, though the inspiring series clean sweep of Pakistan has breathed new life in their campaign.
In spite of big first innings from both sides in the first Test in Rawalpindi, Bangladesh bundled the hosts out for just 146 in the second innings, before racing to a 10-wicket win. The Tigers were able to repeat the dose in the second match, even after day one of the Test was washed out.
Two home Test matches against South Africa down the stretch will be crucial in the Tigers' late push, and with Australia taking on India in a five-match series and eating away at each other's points, a Bangladesh top two finish is not out of the realms of possibility.
Fifth - England - 45.83% of possible points
Results: Australia (home, 2-2, draw), India (away, 1-4, lost), West Indies (home, 3-0, won)
Remaining series: Sri Lanka (home, leading 2-0, one Test remaining), Pakistan (away, three Tests), New Zealand (away, three Tests)
Best possible finish: 62.50%
England’s newfound aggressive style of play, christened ‘BazBall’ by the journalists, came under scrutiny after the side went up against two major sides in the first phase of the 2023-25 WTC cycle.
Pat Cummins’ Australia managed to retain the Ashes after securing an early advantage, while Rohit Sharma’s India overcame an early blow to fight back and win comprehensively against England.
Under head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes leadership, England have managed to rebuild their WTC campaign with series wins over West Indies and Sri Lanka at home. While earlier results mean that their best point percentage wouldn’t be as good as that of some of the other sides, the team might benefit from the fact that Australia and India are certain to drop points in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series.
While a Test remains against Sri Lanka, England’s focus would be shifting slowly towards important upcoming tours of Pakistan and New Zealand. A big factor for England would be the fitness of the inspirational Stokes, who has been sidelined since prior to the start of the Sri Lanka series.
Sixth - South Africa - 38.89% of possible points
Results: India (home, 1-1, draw), New Zealand (away, 0-2, lost) West Indies (away, 1-0, won)
Remaining series: Bangladesh (away, two Tests), Sri Lanka (home, two Tests), Pakistan (home, two Tests)
Best possible finish: 69.44%
The Proteas well and truly remain in the hunt despite setbacks against India and New Zealand in their first two WTC 2023-25 series. While South Africa couldn’t hold the advantage of a 1-0 lead against India, as Rohit Sharma’s side ended up drawing the series, a weak lineup fared even poorer in New Zealand, losing to the Black Caps for the first-ever time in Men’s Tests.
Their recent rendezvous against West Indies in the Caribbean was thus a relief for Temba Bavuma’s men, with a 1-0 win giving them a much-needed WTC boost.
The upcoming set of match-ups isn’t the worst from South Africa’s perspective. They have enough batting and spin-bowling talent in their ranks to overcome Bangladesh away, while their home ventures are with Asian sides against whom they’ve seen recent success in familiar conditions.
Seventh - Sri Lanka - 33.33% of possible points
Results: Pakistan (home, 0-2, lost), Bangladesh (away, 2-0, won)
Remaining Series: England (away, down 2-0, one Test remaining) New Zealand (home, two Tests), South Africa (away, Two Tests), Australia (home, two Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 53.06%
Sri Lanka have over half of their World Test Championship campaign still to play, though a home series defeat to Pakistan and two defeats in England mean they find themselves well behind the frontrunners.
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.
In their home Tests, the spin attack will come in handy, but Dhananjaya de Silva's team cannot underestimate their opponents (New Zealand and Australia), who have improved their returns in the sub-continent in recent times.
Eighth - Pakistan - 19.05% of possible points
Results: Sri Lanka (Away, 2-0, won), Australia (Away, 3-0, lost), Bangladesh (Home, 2-0, lost)
Remaining Series: England (home, three Tests), South Africa (away, two Tests), West Indies (home, two Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 59.52%
For new coach Jason Gillespie, the rest of the current World Test Championship cycle is to be seen more as a rebuild for the future.
Gillespie's tenure began with a shock loss to Bangladesh in the first Test at home and it worsened as the hosts conceded the series to Bangladesh, stretching their winless streak in home Tests to 10.
With three tough home assignments against England and an away series against the Proteas, Pakistan have their task cut out in the remainder of this WTC cycle.
They end the cycle with two more home Test matches against West Indies in early 2025.
Ninth - West Indies - 18.52% of possible points
Results: India (home, 0-1, defeat), Australia (away, 1-1, draw) England (away, 3-0, defeat) South Africa (home, 0-1, defeat)
Remaining Series: Bangladesh (home, two matches), Pakistan (away, two matches)
Best Possible Finish: 43.59%
Outside a moment of glory against Australia in Brisbane in early 2024, it's been a forgettable second World Test Championship cycle for the West Indies.
The men from the Caribbean dropped 20 of a possible 24 points in their home stand against India to begin the campaign, and lost the first Test in Australia by 10 wickets before the unlikely win at the Gabba in January.
Kraigg Brathwaite's men were unable to emulate the same success in England, losing all three matches heaviliy, before dropping 20 points in a home series against South Africa.
After their home series in Bangladesh, the West Indies face Pakistan away early in the new year to round out their campaign.
BBC
All roads in the 2023-2025 World Test Championship cycle lead to Lord’s.
The ICC announced on Tuesday, September 3, that the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground will host the much-anticipated World Test Championship Final, set to begin on 11 June, 2025.
As the current two-year cycle enters its final stages, several teams are locked in a fierce battle for a chance to lift the coveted mace on the iconic Lord’s balcony.
With just over nine months remaining until the next edition of the Ultimate Test, we take a look at how the teams have performed so far and what lies ahead in the remainder of the cycle.
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%
India, the two-time finalists, currently lead the WTC25 standings with 68.52% of possible points. As one of the top contenders to secure a spot in the final at Lord’s, they will be determined to break their run of near misses.
After falling short in the 2021 and 2023 Finals, Rohit Sharma’s men will be driven by a strong desire to finally claim the title this time around.
India have been impressive in the current cycle, securing six wins from nine matches to claim the top spot in the standings. They kicked off their campaign with a 1-0 series victory over the West Indies, with the second match of the two-Test series ending in a rain-affected draw.
Their tour of South Africa presented a formidable challenge, particularly after they fell behind 1-0 in the opening Test. However, India displayed remarkable resilience, fighting back to level the two-match series at 1-1.
On home soil, where India are nearly unbeatable, England and their "Bazball" approach managed to breach their defences with a win in the opening Test. But India, undeterred, roared back in dominant fashion to claim a 4-1 series victory.
India have 10 matches remaining in this cycle, with half of them to be played at home. They are set to host Bangladesh later this month, followed by a visit from the Black Caps in October.
India have the opportunity to solidify their position for a WTC25 Final spot before their highly anticipated five-match Border-Gavaskar series in Australia. However, the outcome of this series could ultimately determine which teams claim the coveted top two spots.
The rivalry between India and Australia has become a modern classic. While India have held the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for nearly a decade, Australia have often prevailed in high-stakes encounters, including the World Test Championship Final in 2023 and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Final.
A key figure in Australia's mace-winning 2023 World Test Championship campaign, Nathan Lyon explains the competition's significance to him.
Second - Australia - 62.50% of possible points
Remaining series: India (home, five Tests), Sri Lanka (away, two Tests)
Best possible finish: 76.32%
Reigning World Test Championship holders Australia are on track for a second consecutive Final appearance. Under Pat Cummins, the already formidable Australian side has been transformed into a team of serial winners, and they will be hungry for more silverware to add to their collection.
Australia began the current World Test Championship cycle with a five-match series against their arch-rivals, England. They clinched victories in the first two Tests, both of which were nail-biting encounters, and secured a draw in the third. However, they were defeated in the final two matches by a spirited England side.
Full Match Highlights: The key moments from all five days of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2023 as Australia beat India by 209 runs to secure their first WTC mace
Returning to home turf, Australia dominated Pakistan with a 3-0 series sweep earlier this year, followed by a win against the West Indies. However, a Shamar Joseph special breached the Gabba and the Aussies as the hosts fell to defeat in the second Test of the series.
Australia quickly bounced back with a 2-0 victory over their Trans-Tasman rivals, New Zealand, securing the second spot in the standings. They have seven matches left in this cycle — five against India at home and two against Sri Lanka away.
While Australia may have triumphed over India on major occasions, reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy — which has eluded them for nearly a decade — will be a significant motivator. Additionally, India have won on their last two tours to Australia, a trend skipper Cummins will be keen to reverse this time around.
Two tons, classic catches and brilliant bowling - relive the most memorable moments of the ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final between Australia and India
Third - New Zealand - 50% of possible points
Results: Bangladesh (away, 1-1, draw), South Africa (home, 2-0, won), Australia, (home, 0-2, lost)
Remaining series: Sri Lanka (away, two Tests), India (away, three Tests), England (home, three Tests)
Best possible finish: 78.57%
The 2021 ICC World Test Championship winners had a mixed run in the first half of their 2023-25 WTC campaign. A spirited display in Bangladesh earned them a draw, and while the side had little difficulty in brushing aside a second-string South Africa at home, they fell short against trans-Tasman rivals Australia in both of their home Tests.
This leaves Tim Southee’s side with a slightly tricky prospect, wherein they’d need to do well away from home in Sri Lanka and India, and then overcome a resurgent England at home.
While the spinners will have a crucial role to play in their Asian journey, out-of-the-box thinking and making the best use of home resources might help them overcome Ben Stokes’ England.
Fourth - Bangladesh - 45.83% of possible points
Results: New Zealand (home, 1-1, draw), Sri Lanka (home, 0-2, lost), Pakistan (away, 2-0, won)
Remaining Series: India (away, two Tests), South Africa (home, two Tests), West Indies (away, two Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 75%
A 2-0 clean sweep of Pakistan has propelled Bangladesh into the top four and neck-deep in the running for a World Test Championship Final spot.
In a dominating performance, Bangladesh won by six wickets in the second Test, winning their first ever Test series against Pakistan.
Bangladesh began the campaign with a victory over New Zealand in Sylhet, though dropped 12 home points with a defeat in the second match of the home series in Mirpur, falling for under 200 in both innings.
Two thumping defeats against Sri Lanka at home curtailed a 2025 trip to Lord's, though the inspiring series clean sweep of Pakistan has breathed new life in their campaign.
In spite of big first innings from both sides in the first Test in Rawalpindi, Bangladesh bundled the hosts out for just 146 in the second innings, before racing to a 10-wicket win. The Tigers were able to repeat the dose in the second match, even after day one of the Test was washed out.
Two home Test matches against South Africa down the stretch will be crucial in the Tigers' late push, and with Australia taking on India in a five-match series and eating away at each other's points, a Bangladesh top two finish is not out of the realms of possibility.
Fifth - England - 45.83% of possible points
Results: Australia (home, 2-2, draw), India (away, 1-4, lost), West Indies (home, 3-0, won)
Remaining series: Sri Lanka (home, leading 2-0, one Test remaining), Pakistan (away, three Tests), New Zealand (away, three Tests)
Best possible finish: 62.50%
England’s newfound aggressive style of play, christened ‘BazBall’ by the journalists, came under scrutiny after the side went up against two major sides in the first phase of the 2023-25 WTC cycle.
Pat Cummins’ Australia managed to retain the Ashes after securing an early advantage, while Rohit Sharma’s India overcame an early blow to fight back and win comprehensively against England.
Under head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes leadership, England have managed to rebuild their WTC campaign with series wins over West Indies and Sri Lanka at home. While earlier results mean that their best point percentage wouldn’t be as good as that of some of the other sides, the team might benefit from the fact that Australia and India are certain to drop points in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series.
While a Test remains against Sri Lanka, England’s focus would be shifting slowly towards important upcoming tours of Pakistan and New Zealand. A big factor for England would be the fitness of the inspirational Stokes, who has been sidelined since prior to the start of the Sri Lanka series.
Sixth - South Africa - 38.89% of possible points
Results: India (home, 1-1, draw), New Zealand (away, 0-2, lost) West Indies (away, 1-0, won)
Remaining series: Bangladesh (away, two Tests), Sri Lanka (home, two Tests), Pakistan (home, two Tests)
Best possible finish: 69.44%
The Proteas well and truly remain in the hunt despite setbacks against India and New Zealand in their first two WTC 2023-25 series. While South Africa couldn’t hold the advantage of a 1-0 lead against India, as Rohit Sharma’s side ended up drawing the series, a weak lineup fared even poorer in New Zealand, losing to the Black Caps for the first-ever time in Men’s Tests.
Their recent rendezvous against West Indies in the Caribbean was thus a relief for Temba Bavuma’s men, with a 1-0 win giving them a much-needed WTC boost.
The upcoming set of match-ups isn’t the worst from South Africa’s perspective. They have enough batting and spin-bowling talent in their ranks to overcome Bangladesh away, while their home ventures are with Asian sides against whom they’ve seen recent success in familiar conditions.
Seventh - Sri Lanka - 33.33% of possible points
Results: Pakistan (home, 0-2, lost), Bangladesh (away, 2-0, won)
Remaining Series: England (away, down 2-0, one Test remaining) New Zealand (home, two Tests), South Africa (away, Two Tests), Australia (home, two Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 53.06%
Sri Lanka have over half of their World Test Championship campaign still to play, though a home series defeat to Pakistan and two defeats in England mean they find themselves well behind the frontrunners.
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.
In their home Tests, the spin attack will come in handy, but Dhananjaya de Silva's team cannot underestimate their opponents (New Zealand and Australia), who have improved their returns in the sub-continent in recent times.
Eighth - Pakistan - 19.05% of possible points
Results: Sri Lanka (Away, 2-0, won), Australia (Away, 3-0, lost), Bangladesh (Home, 2-0, lost)
Remaining Series: England (home, three Tests), South Africa (away, two Tests), West Indies (home, two Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 59.52%
For new coach Jason Gillespie, the rest of the current World Test Championship cycle is to be seen more as a rebuild for the future.
Gillespie's tenure began with a shock loss to Bangladesh in the first Test at home and it worsened as the hosts conceded the series to Bangladesh, stretching their winless streak in home Tests to 10.
With three tough home assignments against England and an away series against the Proteas, Pakistan have their task cut out in the remainder of this WTC cycle.
They end the cycle with two more home Test matches against West Indies in early 2025.
Ninth - West Indies - 18.52% of possible points
Results: India (home, 0-1, defeat), Australia (away, 1-1, draw) England (away, 3-0, defeat) South Africa (home, 0-1, defeat)
Remaining Series: Bangladesh (home, two matches), Pakistan (away, two matches)
Best Possible Finish: 43.59%
Outside a moment of glory against Australia in Brisbane in early 2024, it's been a forgettable second World Test Championship cycle for the West Indies.
The men from the Caribbean dropped 20 of a possible 24 points in their home stand against India to begin the campaign, and lost the first Test in Australia by 10 wickets before the unlikely win at the Gabba in January.
Kraigg Brathwaite's men were unable to emulate the same success in England, losing all three matches heaviliy, before dropping 20 points in a home series against South Africa.
After their home series in Bangladesh, the West Indies face Pakistan away early in the new year to round out their campaign.
BBC
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Updated WTC points after Sri Lanka win over England in 3rd Test
shortbread
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Anyone finding comfort in the fact that WI is ranked lower need to understand their last 3 Test series were against Australia, England and SA.
jnaveen1980
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They won a Test in Australia which is creditable
sweep_shot
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They generally finish 2nd last. They may finish last this time.
harshjoshi87
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If Pakistan fail to win a test in England series, Pakistan will be at the bottom as West Indies has a relatively easy home series vs Bangla boys.
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Updated points table after India's win against Bangladesh:
Aang_The_last_airbender
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No point deduction for Bangladesh for the slow over rate??Updated points table after India's win against Bangladesh:
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Good point... WTC is useless until all teams play the same number of games.
Huge difference this.
Huge difference this.
Aang_The_last_airbender
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India Australia England, the big 3 determine their chances of final based on the series among themselves as 50% of their matches are among themselves.
Mesozoic
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South Africa has a decent chance of making the finals actually. They have to win all their remaining 6 Tests against Bangladesh (away) , Pakistan (Home) and Sri Lanka (Home) , which is certainly doable.
Australia losing at the Gabba to the West Indies may come back and bite them next year when they play the BGT and Sri Lanka away.
Australia losing at the Gabba to the West Indies may come back and bite them next year when they play the BGT and Sri Lanka away.
Bhaijaan
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ICC test ranking is the true judge of a team’s status in world cricket.
WTC final is a gimmick.
Bharat has been the best test team in last few years, despite losing the WTC final in England in an odd timing, we were the best as is recognised by all.
sweep_shot
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In ICC Test ranking, Australia are currently #1 with 124 points. India are #2 with 120 points.
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Sri Lanka climbed to third spot following their impressive win against New Zealand in the first Test
''currently''
India has been the number 1 team in test rankings over the last decade.
Bhaijaan
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And that’s fair enough. Whoever it is for a given period of time is the best test nation.
So if Bharat defeats Australianin a one off WTC final but Australia overall has had a better record through that season then I don’t give a damn who wins a one off WTC final.
harshjoshi87
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Sri Lanka have an outside chance to make the WTC 2025 final.Sri Lanka climbed to third spot following their impressive win against New Zealand in the first Test
If India win 2-1 in Australia & Sri Lanka managed to beat Australia in Sri Lanka including 2-3 wins vs New Zealand & South Africa, Sri Lanka can make the final.
In that case it will be an all Asian final.
harshjoshi87
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Yes with India tour of Australia 2020/21 series result no more in counting period, Australia have managed to move past India in the test rankings.
100% I couldn't give 2 f's if we lose the final as long as we win the derby vs aus.
That's the main goal. If we win wtc final but lose the bgt to aus then it's a loss and it's a terrible result imo.
We need to win the series 100%. Otherwise wtc final is meaningless.
Someone here will say the opposite because india lost the final in wtc twice that too after ipl with zero prep and 3 key players missing in 2023.
Mesozoic
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Lol what Derby?
Bhaijaan
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Obviously
I wonder which sane Bharatiya here would choose a WTC final victory over another test series win in Australia?
Definitely not me.
India aus lol. Watch milan vs inter today so that's stuck in my mind.
Not me. But we know one east Pakistan person who believe wtc is the ultimate goal. Moreso than winning an AWAY Test series. A series lol. Yea right lol.
This is not odi where one off finals matter.
Even in LOI. Aus are not that good in t20. It's odi where they excel.
It took them aeons to win a t20 wc.
Odi is the second most important cup for sure after winning away test series in aus, SA for Indian fans. Odi world cup or bgt series win of 2021? 100% I will choose bgt.
Odi comes next.
Then t20 wc etc.
Don't get me wrong now that we have won multiple times vs aus away, I do feel we need to win a odi wc. So going forward my preference would be to win a wc but I still expect atleast a draw in aus and SA. Not a loss.
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Sri Lanka stay in touching distance to Australia in the WTC points table after a dominating clean sweep win against New Zealand.
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India is well on its way to another WTC final.
Bhaijaan
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Sri Lanka stay in touching distance to Australia in the WTC points table after a dominating clean sweep win against New Zealand.
Will be funny if it’s Bharat vs Sri Lanka and they beat us in the final.
Red-Indian
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Sri Lanka screwed up badly by losing a couple of tests to the weakest test team today - Pakistan. No way, they'd do it today.Will be funny if it’s Bharat vs Sri Lanka and they beat us in the final.
If they'd swept their home series, they'd have a real chance of making it to the WTC final by winning one of the two tests (or maybe even losing both) in South Africa.
8 games left.India is well on its way to another WTC final.
If they win 4 and draw one that's good enough. Ideally win 4 and draw 2 atleast.
I am ok with 2 losses.
Credit to the beast Jayasuriya. What an unbelievable transformation.
But real test for lanka would be when india tours them eventually. Kings of Asia vs lanka in their peak with their talented batting unit will be interesting. Kamidu is on fire.
They are very capable of surprising south africa too whom I believe they play soon.
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The real spot for Pakistan where they should be.
RyanRyan10
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Should lose some points for slow overrate as wellThe real spot for Pakistan where they should be.
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Although Pakistan still has no chance to get into the finals still, 9th place was not looking good. Some progress for them after beating Engalnd in the 2nd Test.
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Big change on World Test Championship standings after New Zealand defeat India
India's lead at the top of the standings is reduced as New Zealand climb back into contention for a second appearance in the final.
New Zealand's impressive triumph over India in the first Test in Bengaluru has had major ramifications on the race to feature at next year's ICC World Test Championship final.
The Black Caps chased down their victory target of 107 with relative ease on Sunday, with the win catapulting the side from sixth up to fourth on the updated standings with a win-loss percentage of 44.44 percent.
While India remain at the top of the standings, the loss sees their grip on a place at next year's final loosened somewhat as their percentage drops to 68.06 percent ahead of two more Tests against New Zealand and the five-match series with Australia at the end of the year.
Australia and Sri Lanka are currently India's closest challengers on the standings, with Pat Cummins' side in second place on 62.50 percent and the island nation narrowly behind with 55.56 following their recent series sweep over New Zealand.
But New Zealand's triumph over India has the Kiwis back in the running for a second appearance in the World Test Championship final, as they overtake England and South Africa to re-claim fourth position.
New Zealand host England for three Tests in November and December and may still be in contention for a top two finish on the standings with a pair of positive results from the remaining matches against India.
It was New Zealand's quicks the did the majority of the damage in Bengaluru, with Matt Henry (5/15) and Will O'Rourke (4/22) going on a rampage on the second day as India were bowled out for just 46 in their first innings to quickly hand the advantage to the visitors.
India did manage to compile a handy 462 during their second innings, but the initial collapse after rain washed out the opening day's play swung the game the way of the Kiwis.
The second Test between India and New Zealand commences on 24 October in Pune, with the series concluding in Mumbai from 1 November.
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India needs 5 wins from the remaining 7 matches to secure a spot in the WTC final.
India vs New Zealand - 2 Matches (H)
India vs Australia - 5 Matches (A)
Sri Lanka Wins required from 4 matches: 3
Sri Lanka remaining series/games:
Sri Lanka vs South Africa - 2 Matches (A)
Sri Lanka vs Australia - 2 Matches (H)
India vs New Zealand - 2 Matches (H)
India vs Australia - 5 Matches (A)
Australia’s remaining series/games: Wins required from 7 matches: 4
- Australia vs India - 5 matches (H)
- Australia vs Sri Lanka - 2 Matches (A)
Sri Lanka Wins required from 4 matches: 3
Sri Lanka remaining series/games:
Sri Lanka vs South Africa - 2 Matches (A)
Sri Lanka vs Australia - 2 Matches (H)
England's remaining series/games: Wins required from 4 matches: 4
- England vs Pakistan - 1 Matches (A)
- England vs New Zealand - 3 Matches (A)
South Africa remaining series/games: Wins required from 6 matches: 5
- South Africa vs Bangladesh - 2 Matches (A)
- South Africa vs Sri Lanka - 2 Matches (H)
- South Africa vs Pakistan - 2 Matches (H)
New Zealand’s remaining series/games: Wins required from 5 matches: 5
- New Zealand vs India - 2 matches (A)
- New Zealand vs England - 3 Matches (H)
Pakistan's remaining series/games: Wins required from 5 matches: 5
- Pakistan vs England - 1 Matches (H)
- Pakistan vs South Africa - 2 Matches (A)
- Pakistan vs West Indies - 2 Matches (H)
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Updated points table after South Africa's win against Bangladesh:
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Updated Standings after Pakistan's win against England + India's defeat against New Zealand:
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Updated Standings after Pakistan's win against England + India's defeat against New Zealand:
If Kiwis can win the final Test, there is a real possibility of India missing out on WTC final.
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Bangladesh lost to South Africa by an inning and 273 runs. Updated WTC table:
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Bangladesh lost to South Africa by an inning and 273 runs. Updated WTC table:
South Africa have moved up to 4th position. Nice.
Looks like BD-Windies series may determine who finish last.
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It will be between India, Australia and South Africa for WTC Final spot.
Sri Lanka will likely fall short.
Sri Lanka will likely fall short.
CrIc_Mystique
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As an indian supporter just feel to laud the proactive approach our guys took in the Kanpur test to blow BD out in 2-2.5 days in the rain affected tests.
As an indian supporter also feel what a golden oppurtuntity we lost to nail our spot down - we won the toss in banglore no one wanted to win, we lost the toss in Pune no one wanted to loose - that apart our guys have been sluggish, played as if underwater in cement boots, no footwork, bowled like champagne millionaires, fielded like absolute dolts and we have been taken apart by a more resilient, more hungry, more intense NewZee outfit who deservedly won the first two tests.
Hoping as an indian fan this is the reality acid and our guys turn it around in Mumbai and also somehow get the required wins against Aus in Aus to feature in the finals....a very hard route awaits us.
As an indian supporter also feel what a golden oppurtuntity we lost to nail our spot down - we won the toss in banglore no one wanted to win, we lost the toss in Pune no one wanted to loose - that apart our guys have been sluggish, played as if underwater in cement boots, no footwork, bowled like champagne millionaires, fielded like absolute dolts and we have been taken apart by a more resilient, more hungry, more intense NewZee outfit who deservedly won the first two tests.
Hoping as an indian fan this is the reality acid and our guys turn it around in Mumbai and also somehow get the required wins against Aus in Aus to feature in the finals....a very hard route awaits us.
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One thing is for sure. India's defeat against NZ has made WTC come alive. It has opened doors for NZ, South Africa, and SL.
DeadlyVenom
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The way you guys beat Bangladesh was a true spectacle. I'd not seen anything like it before in test cricket.
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I think it was more to do with BD's incompetency than India's effort.
Don't think India can do that to any top 8 team.
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yes....our guys took the universal brotherhood of mankind literally and loosing like shcool kids against NZ worked for the common gain of at least 3 other teams
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The WTC qualification race is getting very interesting now.
India's qualification seems the least likely though coz we don't have any home match after the third test vs nz.
My order for qualification probability will be (highest to lowest)
Aus
SA
Srl
Nz
Ind
India's qualification seems the least likely though coz we don't have any home match after the third test vs nz.
My order for qualification probability will be (highest to lowest)
Aus
SA
Srl
Nz
Ind
sweep_shot
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I think SL will not make it. They have tough games (series against Australia at home and series against South Africa away).
South Africa are looking good to make it. SA's next 2 opponents are SL and Pakistan (home series). If they win all games, they should be through to final.
Aussies are in a good position. They have one series against SL (away) and one against India (home).
NZ are unlikely to qualify but have a small chance. They have to whitewash England and hope other results go their way.
India probably have to beat Aussies to ensure WTC final qualification.
I am expecting a South Africa vs Australia WTC final.
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I think there is a chance of them qualifying, SRL at home is a tough team to beat, I predict 1-1 vs Aus, if they can somehow win one against SA (which has happened earlier) they will be in contention.
Yes it is the most probable scenario, thats why I placed them on top.
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World Test Championship - State of Play ahead of 2025 final
We take a look at what lies ahead for all Test sides and who remains in contention of reaching the 2025 World Test Championship Final.
Things are tight at the top of the ICC World Test Championship standings with just 15 percent separating the top five teams.
India and Australia remain in the top two spots on the standings and a repeat of the memorable 2023 final at The Oval remains a distinct possibility.
But the likes of Sri Lanka, New Zealand and South Africa remain in contention of claiming a coveted top two spot on the standings and earning a place at next year's one-off Test at Lord's.
First - India - 62.82% of possible points
Remaining series: New Zealand (home, one Test), Australia (away, five Tests)
Best possible finish: 74.56%
The two-time World Test Championship runners up were looking pretty for a place at next year's final, but consecutive slip-ups at home against New Zealand has left the door open for opposition sides.
While Rohit Sharma's team still maintains a narrow lead at the top of the standings, another loss in the third Test against the Black Caps will see them travel to Australia next month needing to win at least four of their matches Down Under to ensure qualification.
Regardless of what happens in Mumbai against New Zealand, the five-match series against Australia at the end of the year will be pivotal for India and their chances of reaching a third straight World Test Championship final.
Second - Australia - 62.50% of possible points
Remaining series: India (home, five Tests), Sri Lanka (away, two Tests)
Best possible finish: 76.32%
Reigning World Test Championship winners Australia are on track for a second consecutive appearance in the final, but Pat Cummins' side will likely still need to win a minimum of four of their remaining seven Tests if they are to defend the title they won in 2023.
The one advantage that Australia have over India is they have two Tests in Sri Lanka next year, meaning they could theoretically draw 2-2 with Rohit Sharma's side and stay in contention for a place in the final ahead of that trip to Asia.
But first things first for Australia, who have a poor recent record at home against India and will be keen to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in over a decade.
Third - Sri Lanka - 55.56% of possible points
Remaining Series: South Africa (away, Two Tests), Australia (home, two Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 69.23%
A head-turning victory over England in the third Test in England means Sri Lanka could still make a push for a World Test Championship Final berth with three more wins from their remaining four Tests.
Their task will be difficult, with two Tests scheduled in South Africa at the end of November and a further two-match series at home against reigning champions Australia in 2025.
Kamindu Mendis' stunning start to his Test career has helped the Sri Lankan side, averaging 94.30 in his first 12 innings in the competition. With the ball, Prabath Jayasuriya will remain the key, particularly in the final series on home soil.
If Sri Lanka can pinch one victory in South Africa, it could lead to a grandstand finish on home soil with the top two spots potentially still to be decided in the final series of the cycle.
Fourth - South Africa - 54.17% of possible points
Remaining series: Sri Lanka (home, two Tests), Pakistan (home, two Tests)
Best possible finish: 69.44%
South Africa ended a decade-long wait for a win in the sub-continent with an impressive victory in the opening game, then followed it up with an even more commanding display in the second match, winning by a colossal innings and 273 runs.
The 2-0 series whitewash over Bangladesh has given South Africa hope of reaching next year's World Test Championship final, but they will likely need to carry on their form and win three of their four contests on home soil at the end of the year.
The two-match home series against Sri Lanka at the end of November will be the crucial one for the Proteas, as a series sweep there will boost their own chances of reaching the final and put an end to any hopes the island nation had of reaching the title decider.
Climbing to fourth in the standings after the series win, South Africa have suddenly become a genuine threat to the top teams in the standings given they have four more matches at home.
Fifth - New Zealand - 50% of possible points
Remaining series: India (away, one Test), England (home, three Tests)
Best possible finish: 64.29%
Winning a first-ever series in India has given New Zealand some hope of claiming a second World Test Championship title, but they still have plenty of work to do if they are to finish in the top two places on the standings.
The Black Caps will likely need to win all four of their remaining Tests to make it through to the final, meaning they will have to complete series sweeps over India (they have already won two Tests on the trot there) and England at home if they are to do so.
It's not impossible, but will be tough going for the Kiwis.
Sixth - England - 40.79% of possible points
Remaining series: New Zealand (away, three Tests)
Best possible finish: 48.86%
Consecutive losses in Pakistan has seen England drop out of contention for a spot at next year's final, with Ben Stokes' side with just three more Tests remaining this cycle.
They travel to New Zealand for a three-match series against the Black Caps and will be looking to finish the cycle on a good note with a series victory away from home.
Seventh - Pakistan - 33.33% of possible points
Remaining Series: South Africa (away, two Tests), West Indies (home, two Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 52.38%
Pakistan have won back-to-back Tests under the watchful eye of new coach Jason Gillespie, but remain out of contention of reaching the final with a total of six teams ahead of them on the standings.
While Pakistan could still win their remaining four Tests and finish with a percentage as high as 52.38 percent, this is unlikely to be enough to finish in the top two places on the standings.
to New Zealand for a three-match series against the Black Caps and will be looking to finish the cycle on a good note with a series victory away from home.
Eighth - Bangladesh - 27.50% of possible points
Remaining Series: West Indies (away, two Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 39.58%
The recent series loss to South Africa at home put pay to Bangladesh's chances of reaching next year's final, with just two Tests remaining for the Asian side this cycle.
They could still win those remaining matches to finish with a percentage of 39.58, but this won't be enough to feature in a first World Test Championship final.
Ninth - West Indies - 18.52% of possible points
Remaining Series: Bangladesh (home, two matches), Pakistan (away, two matches)
Best Possible Finish: 43.59%
Outside a moment of glory against Australia in Brisbane in early 2024, it's been a forgettable second World Test Championship cycle for the West Indies.
The men from the Caribbean dropped 20 of a possible 24 points in their home stand against India to begin the campaign, and lost the first Test in Australia by 10 wickets before the unlikely win at the Gabba in January.
Kraigg Brathwaite's men were unable to emulate the same success in England, losing all three matches heavily, before dropping 20 points in a home series against South Africa.
After their home series in Bangladesh at the end of November, the West Indies face Pakistan away early in the new year to round out their campaign.
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We take a look at what lies ahead for all Test sides and who remains in contention of reaching the 2025 World Test Championship Final.
Things are tight at the top of the ICC World Test Championship standings with just 15 percent separating the top five teams.
India and Australia remain in the top two spots on the standings and a repeat of the memorable 2023 final at The Oval remains a distinct possibility.
But the likes of Sri Lanka, New Zealand and South Africa remain in contention of claiming a coveted top two spot on the standings and earning a place at next year's one-off Test at Lord's.
First - India - 62.82% of possible points
Remaining series: New Zealand (home, one Test), Australia (away, five Tests)
Best possible finish: 74.56%
The two-time World Test Championship runners up were looking pretty for a place at next year's final, but consecutive slip-ups at home against New Zealand has left the door open for opposition sides.
While Rohit Sharma's team still maintains a narrow lead at the top of the standings, another loss in the third Test against the Black Caps will see them travel to Australia next month needing to win at least four of their matches Down Under to ensure qualification.
Regardless of what happens in Mumbai against New Zealand, the five-match series against Australia at the end of the year will be pivotal for India and their chances of reaching a third straight World Test Championship final.
Second - Australia - 62.50% of possible points
Remaining series: India (home, five Tests), Sri Lanka (away, two Tests)
Best possible finish: 76.32%
Reigning World Test Championship winners Australia are on track for a second consecutive appearance in the final, but Pat Cummins' side will likely still need to win a minimum of four of their remaining seven Tests if they are to defend the title they won in 2023.
The one advantage that Australia have over India is they have two Tests in Sri Lanka next year, meaning they could theoretically draw 2-2 with Rohit Sharma's side and stay in contention for a place in the final ahead of that trip to Asia.
But first things first for Australia, who have a poor recent record at home against India and will be keen to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in over a decade.
Third - Sri Lanka - 55.56% of possible points
Remaining Series: South Africa (away, Two Tests), Australia (home, two Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 69.23%
A head-turning victory over England in the third Test in England means Sri Lanka could still make a push for a World Test Championship Final berth with three more wins from their remaining four Tests.
Their task will be difficult, with two Tests scheduled in South Africa at the end of November and a further two-match series at home against reigning champions Australia in 2025.
Kamindu Mendis' stunning start to his Test career has helped the Sri Lankan side, averaging 94.30 in his first 12 innings in the competition. With the ball, Prabath Jayasuriya will remain the key, particularly in the final series on home soil.
If Sri Lanka can pinch one victory in South Africa, it could lead to a grandstand finish on home soil with the top two spots potentially still to be decided in the final series of the cycle.
Fourth - South Africa - 54.17% of possible points
Remaining series: Sri Lanka (home, two Tests), Pakistan (home, two Tests)
Best possible finish: 69.44%
South Africa ended a decade-long wait for a win in the sub-continent with an impressive victory in the opening game, then followed it up with an even more commanding display in the second match, winning by a colossal innings and 273 runs.
The 2-0 series whitewash over Bangladesh has given South Africa hope of reaching next year's World Test Championship final, but they will likely need to carry on their form and win three of their four contests on home soil at the end of the year.
The two-match home series against Sri Lanka at the end of November will be the crucial one for the Proteas, as a series sweep there will boost their own chances of reaching the final and put an end to any hopes the island nation had of reaching the title decider.
Climbing to fourth in the standings after the series win, South Africa have suddenly become a genuine threat to the top teams in the standings given they have four more matches at home.
Fifth - New Zealand - 50% of possible points
Remaining series: India (away, one Test), England (home, three Tests)
Best possible finish: 64.29%
Winning a first-ever series in India has given New Zealand some hope of claiming a second World Test Championship title, but they still have plenty of work to do if they are to finish in the top two places on the standings.
The Black Caps will likely need to win all four of their remaining Tests to make it through to the final, meaning they will have to complete series sweeps over India (they have already won two Tests on the trot there) and England at home if they are to do so.
It's not impossible, but will be tough going for the Kiwis.
Sixth - England - 40.79% of possible points
Remaining series: New Zealand (away, three Tests)
Best possible finish: 48.86%
Consecutive losses in Pakistan has seen England drop out of contention for a spot at next year's final, with Ben Stokes' side with just three more Tests remaining this cycle.
They travel to New Zealand for a three-match series against the Black Caps and will be looking to finish the cycle on a good note with a series victory away from home.
Seventh - Pakistan - 33.33% of possible points
Remaining Series: South Africa (away, two Tests), West Indies (home, two Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 52.38%
Pakistan have won back-to-back Tests under the watchful eye of new coach Jason Gillespie, but remain out of contention of reaching the final with a total of six teams ahead of them on the standings.
While Pakistan could still win their remaining four Tests and finish with a percentage as high as 52.38 percent, this is unlikely to be enough to finish in the top two places on the standings.
to New Zealand for a three-match series against the Black Caps and will be looking to finish the cycle on a good note with a series victory away from home.
Eighth - Bangladesh - 27.50% of possible points
Remaining Series: West Indies (away, two Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 39.58%
The recent series loss to South Africa at home put pay to Bangladesh's chances of reaching next year's final, with just two Tests remaining for the Asian side this cycle.
They could still win those remaining matches to finish with a percentage of 39.58, but this won't be enough to feature in a first World Test Championship final.
Ninth - West Indies - 18.52% of possible points
Remaining Series: Bangladesh (home, two matches), Pakistan (away, two matches)
Best Possible Finish: 43.59%
Outside a moment of glory against Australia in Brisbane in early 2024, it's been a forgettable second World Test Championship cycle for the West Indies.
The men from the Caribbean dropped 20 of a possible 24 points in their home stand against India to begin the campaign, and lost the first Test in Australia by 10 wickets before the unlikely win at the Gabba in January.
Kraigg Brathwaite's men were unable to emulate the same success in England, losing all three matches heavily, before dropping 20 points in a home series against South Africa.
After their home series in Bangladesh at the end of November, the West Indies face Pakistan away early in the new year to round out their campaign.
World Test Championship - State of Play ahead of 2025 final
We take a look at what lies ahead for all Test sides and who remains in contention of reaching the 2025 World Test Championship Final.
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What a phenomenal win this is for the KIWIS. India slipping in WTC
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World Test Championship - State of Play ahead of 2025 final
As the all-important Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches, we look at what lies ahead for all the Test sides and who remains in contention of reaching the 2025 World Test Championship Final.
Test cricket is back at the helm, but the fans' interest will be on the rise knowing that the upcoming contests will play a crucial role in determining the WTC fate of several sides.
In Australia, the top two sides on the points table — Australia and India — will clash in a marquee five-game Border-Gavaskar Test series beginning 22nd November. The hosts will seek to secure their second successive final, while India will look to overcome the recent downturn against New Zealand and bounce back.
On 27th November, Sri Lanka will begin their two-Test series in South Africa. While the Asian side, placed third in the WTC Standings, are riding high on a 2-0 series win over New Zealand at home, the Proteas (at the fifth place) are buoyed by a perfect outing in Bangladesh and will look at the upcoming home contests to improve their WTC position.
England and New Zealand also engage in a three-game series beginning 28th November, where the Kiwis will look to make a push for Lord's.
Bangladesh will visit the West Indies for a two-game Test series starting on 22nd November, where both the sides will look to improve their WTC returns.
Things are tight at the top of the ICC World Test Championship standings with less than 10 percent separating the top five teams.
First - Australia - 62.50% of possible points
Remaining series: India (home, five Tests), Sri Lanka (away, two Tests)
Best possible finish: 76.32%
Reigning World Test Championship winners Australia regained the spot after India's series loss to New Zealand and are on track for a second consecutive appearance in the final. However, Pat Cummins' side will likely still need to win a minimum of four of their remaining seven Tests if they are to defend the title they won in 2023.
The one advantage that Australia have over India is they have two Tests in Sri Lanka next year, meaning they could theoretically draw 2-2 with Rohit Sharma's side and stay in contention for a place in the final ahead of that trip to Asia.
But first things first for Australia, who have a poor recent record at home against India and will be keen to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in over a decade.
Second - India - 58.33% of possible points
Remaining series: Australia (away, five Tests)
Best possible finish: 69.30%
The two-time World Test Championship runners-up were looking pretty for a place at next year's final but an unprecedented 3-0 series whitewash at home against New Zealand has hit the side's chances.
With the 25-run loss to the Black Caps in Mumbai, Rohit Sharma's team slipped below Australia and will now travel to the country next month needing to win at least four of their matches Down Under to ensure qualification.
With a third straight WTC final on the line, India will need to tighten up their game against a top-quality Australia side.
Third - Sri Lanka - 55.56% of possible points
Remaining Series: South Africa (away, Two Tests), Australia (home, two Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 69.23%
A head-turning victory over England in the third Test in England means Sri Lanka could still make a push for a World Test Championship Final berth with three more wins from their remaining four Tests.
Their task will be difficult, with two Tests scheduled in South Africa at the end of November and a further two-match series at home against reigning champions Australia in 2025.
Kamindu Mendis' stunning start to his Test career has helped the Sri Lankan side, averaging 94.30 in his first 12 innings in the competition. With the ball, Prabath Jayasuriya will remain the key, particularly in the final series on home soil.
If Sri Lanka can pinch one victory in South Africa, it could lead to a grandstand finish on home soil with the top two spots potentially still to be decided in the final series of the cycle.
Fourth - New Zealand - 54.55% of possible points
Remaining series: England (home, three Tests)
Best possible finish: 64.29%
A historic series sweep in India has bolstered New Zealand's hope of claiming a second World Test Championship title, but they still have plenty of work to do at home if they are to finish in the top two places in the standings.
The Black Caps will likely need at least one win in their remaining three Tests to try and make it through to the final. This will mean repeating their whitewash in India at home against a strong England side led by Ben Stokes.
The Kiwis have the winning momentum but will need to make the most of it.
Fifth - South Africa - 54.17% of possible points
Remaining series: Sri Lanka (home, two Tests), Pakistan (home, two Tests)
Best possible finish: 69.44%
South Africa ended a decade-long wait for a win in the sub-continent with an impressive victory in the opening game, then followed it up with an even more commanding display in the second match, winning by a colossal innings and 273 runs.
The 2-0 series whitewash over Bangladesh has given South Africa hope of reaching next year's World Test Championship final, but they will likely need to carry on their form and win three of their four contests on home soil at the end of the year.
The two-match home series against Sri Lanka at the end of November will be the crucial one for the Proteas, as a series sweep there will boost their own chances of reaching the final and put an end to any hopes the island nation had of reaching the title decider.
Climbing to fourth in the standings after the series win, South Africa have suddenly become a genuine threat to the top teams in the standings given they have four more matches at home.
Sixth - England - 40.79% of possible points
Remaining series: New Zealand (away, three Tests)
Best possible finish: 48.86%
Consecutive losses in Pakistan has seen England drop out of contention for a spot at next year's final, with Ben Stokes' side with just three more Tests remaining this cycle.
They travel to New Zealand for a three-match series against the Black Caps and will be looking to finish the cycle on a good note with a series victory away from home.
Seventh - Pakistan - 33.33% of possible points
Remaining Series: South Africa (away, two Tests), West Indies (home, two Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 52.38%
Pakistan have won back-to-back Tests under the watchful eye of new coach Jason Gillespie, but remain out of contention of reaching the final with a total of six teams ahead of them on the standings.
While Pakistan could still win their remaining four Tests and finish with a percentage as high as 52.38 percent, this is unlikely to be enough to finish in the top two places on the standings.
The next play South Africa at the end of December and then will welcome West Indies home for two Tests in January next year.
Eighth - Bangladesh - 27.50% of possible points
Remaining Series: West Indies (away, two Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 39.58%
The recent series loss to South Africa at home put pay to Bangladesh's chances of reaching next year's final, with just two Tests remaining for the Asian side this cycle.
They could still win those remaining matches to finish with a percentage of 39.58, but this won't be enough to feature in a first World Test Championship final.
Ninth - West Indies - 18.52% of possible points
Remaining Series: Bangladesh (home, two matches), Pakistan (away, two matches)
Best Possible Finish: 43.59%
Outside a moment of glory against Australia in Brisbane in early 2024, it's been a forgettable second World Test Championship cycle for the West Indies.
The men from the Caribbean dropped 20 of a possible 24 points in their home stand against India to begin the campaign, and lost the first Test in Australia by 10 wickets before the unlikely win at the Gabba in January.
Kraigg Brathwaite's men were unable to emulate the same success in England, losing all three matches heavily, before dropping 20 points in a home series against South Africa.
After their home series in Bangladesh at the end of November, the West Indies face Pakistan away early in the new year to round out their campaign.
ICC
As the all-important Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches, we look at what lies ahead for all the Test sides and who remains in contention of reaching the 2025 World Test Championship Final.
Test cricket is back at the helm, but the fans' interest will be on the rise knowing that the upcoming contests will play a crucial role in determining the WTC fate of several sides.
In Australia, the top two sides on the points table — Australia and India — will clash in a marquee five-game Border-Gavaskar Test series beginning 22nd November. The hosts will seek to secure their second successive final, while India will look to overcome the recent downturn against New Zealand and bounce back.
On 27th November, Sri Lanka will begin their two-Test series in South Africa. While the Asian side, placed third in the WTC Standings, are riding high on a 2-0 series win over New Zealand at home, the Proteas (at the fifth place) are buoyed by a perfect outing in Bangladesh and will look at the upcoming home contests to improve their WTC position.
England and New Zealand also engage in a three-game series beginning 28th November, where the Kiwis will look to make a push for Lord's.
Bangladesh will visit the West Indies for a two-game Test series starting on 22nd November, where both the sides will look to improve their WTC returns.
Things are tight at the top of the ICC World Test Championship standings with less than 10 percent separating the top five teams.
First - Australia - 62.50% of possible points
Remaining series: India (home, five Tests), Sri Lanka (away, two Tests)
Best possible finish: 76.32%
Reigning World Test Championship winners Australia regained the spot after India's series loss to New Zealand and are on track for a second consecutive appearance in the final. However, Pat Cummins' side will likely still need to win a minimum of four of their remaining seven Tests if they are to defend the title they won in 2023.
The one advantage that Australia have over India is they have two Tests in Sri Lanka next year, meaning they could theoretically draw 2-2 with Rohit Sharma's side and stay in contention for a place in the final ahead of that trip to Asia.
But first things first for Australia, who have a poor recent record at home against India and will be keen to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in over a decade.
Second - India - 58.33% of possible points
Remaining series: Australia (away, five Tests)
Best possible finish: 69.30%
The two-time World Test Championship runners-up were looking pretty for a place at next year's final but an unprecedented 3-0 series whitewash at home against New Zealand has hit the side's chances.
With the 25-run loss to the Black Caps in Mumbai, Rohit Sharma's team slipped below Australia and will now travel to the country next month needing to win at least four of their matches Down Under to ensure qualification.
With a third straight WTC final on the line, India will need to tighten up their game against a top-quality Australia side.
Third - Sri Lanka - 55.56% of possible points
Remaining Series: South Africa (away, Two Tests), Australia (home, two Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 69.23%
A head-turning victory over England in the third Test in England means Sri Lanka could still make a push for a World Test Championship Final berth with three more wins from their remaining four Tests.
Their task will be difficult, with two Tests scheduled in South Africa at the end of November and a further two-match series at home against reigning champions Australia in 2025.
Kamindu Mendis' stunning start to his Test career has helped the Sri Lankan side, averaging 94.30 in his first 12 innings in the competition. With the ball, Prabath Jayasuriya will remain the key, particularly in the final series on home soil.
If Sri Lanka can pinch one victory in South Africa, it could lead to a grandstand finish on home soil with the top two spots potentially still to be decided in the final series of the cycle.
Fourth - New Zealand - 54.55% of possible points
Remaining series: England (home, three Tests)
Best possible finish: 64.29%
A historic series sweep in India has bolstered New Zealand's hope of claiming a second World Test Championship title, but they still have plenty of work to do at home if they are to finish in the top two places in the standings.
The Black Caps will likely need at least one win in their remaining three Tests to try and make it through to the final. This will mean repeating their whitewash in India at home against a strong England side led by Ben Stokes.
The Kiwis have the winning momentum but will need to make the most of it.
Fifth - South Africa - 54.17% of possible points
Remaining series: Sri Lanka (home, two Tests), Pakistan (home, two Tests)
Best possible finish: 69.44%
South Africa ended a decade-long wait for a win in the sub-continent with an impressive victory in the opening game, then followed it up with an even more commanding display in the second match, winning by a colossal innings and 273 runs.
The 2-0 series whitewash over Bangladesh has given South Africa hope of reaching next year's World Test Championship final, but they will likely need to carry on their form and win three of their four contests on home soil at the end of the year.
The two-match home series against Sri Lanka at the end of November will be the crucial one for the Proteas, as a series sweep there will boost their own chances of reaching the final and put an end to any hopes the island nation had of reaching the title decider.
Climbing to fourth in the standings after the series win, South Africa have suddenly become a genuine threat to the top teams in the standings given they have four more matches at home.
Sixth - England - 40.79% of possible points
Remaining series: New Zealand (away, three Tests)
Best possible finish: 48.86%
Consecutive losses in Pakistan has seen England drop out of contention for a spot at next year's final, with Ben Stokes' side with just three more Tests remaining this cycle.
They travel to New Zealand for a three-match series against the Black Caps and will be looking to finish the cycle on a good note with a series victory away from home.
Seventh - Pakistan - 33.33% of possible points
Remaining Series: South Africa (away, two Tests), West Indies (home, two Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 52.38%
Pakistan have won back-to-back Tests under the watchful eye of new coach Jason Gillespie, but remain out of contention of reaching the final with a total of six teams ahead of them on the standings.
While Pakistan could still win their remaining four Tests and finish with a percentage as high as 52.38 percent, this is unlikely to be enough to finish in the top two places on the standings.
The next play South Africa at the end of December and then will welcome West Indies home for two Tests in January next year.
Eighth - Bangladesh - 27.50% of possible points
Remaining Series: West Indies (away, two Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 39.58%
The recent series loss to South Africa at home put pay to Bangladesh's chances of reaching next year's final, with just two Tests remaining for the Asian side this cycle.
They could still win those remaining matches to finish with a percentage of 39.58, but this won't be enough to feature in a first World Test Championship final.
Ninth - West Indies - 18.52% of possible points
Remaining Series: Bangladesh (home, two matches), Pakistan (away, two matches)
Best Possible Finish: 43.59%
Outside a moment of glory against Australia in Brisbane in early 2024, it's been a forgettable second World Test Championship cycle for the West Indies.
The men from the Caribbean dropped 20 of a possible 24 points in their home stand against India to begin the campaign, and lost the first Test in Australia by 10 wickets before the unlikely win at the Gabba in January.
Kraigg Brathwaite's men were unable to emulate the same success in England, losing all three matches heavily, before dropping 20 points in a home series against South Africa.
After their home series in Bangladesh at the end of November, the West Indies face Pakistan away early in the new year to round out their campaign.
ICC
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