Australia, England Dominate Early WTC Standings; India Seeks Rebound After Opening Loss

The World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle is underway, with initial matches already impacting the standings. Australia and England have quickly ascended to the top, while India and the West Indies are aiming to gain momentum.

Australia and England hold the top two positions in the WTC rankings, each with a perfect 100% points percentage after securing victories in their opening games. Sri Lanka follows in third place after concluding their two-match series against Bangladesh with a win and a draw. Bangladesh, with a draw and a loss, currently sits in fourth place.

Meanwhile, South Africa, New Zealand, and Pakistan, including the reigning champions, are yet to commence their WTC campaigns in this cycle.

India's first match did not unfold as hoped, despite showing resilience at Headingley. The team featured five centurions but ultimately faced defeat as England successfully chased the target, securing a 1-0 lead in the five-Test Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Chasing a target of 371, England's success was driven by a strong opening partnership between Ben Duckett (149) and Zak Crawley, while Joe Root and debutant Jamie Smith formed an unbeaten partnership to guide their team to victory. India's Shubman Gill and his team were left to consider a costly middle-order collapse and dropped catches.

Gill acknowledged that India had opportunities but failed to capitalize on them. He mentioned that the team aimed for a more substantial lead, but a lack of runs from the lower order hindered their plans.

India is now focusing on the second Test at Edgbaston, with hopes of a quick recovery to revitalize their WTC campaign. Currently, they are positioned near the bottom of the table, alongside the West Indies.

The WTC cycle commenced with Sri Lanka's tour of Bangladesh on June 17 and will continue until the final in 2027.