Prior to their first Test matchup with Pakistan in Rawalpindi, Bangladesh was middling at No. 8. Najmul Hossain Shanto his team achieved their first-ever 10-wicket victory in the format against Pakistan, moving them up to No. 6 with a 40% points percentage. Pakistan, captained by Shan Masood, fell to No. 8 with a point percentage of 30.56.
The World Test Championship (WTC), which the International Cricket Council (ICC) established to give greater context to the longest format of the game, has helped to keep test cricket alive and well.
The current cycle, which runs from 2023 to 2025, is the third World Turf Championship (WTC). The previous two editions, in 2021 and 2023, were won, respectively, by New Zealand and Australia. Test cricket has temporarily taken a backseat following a hectic schedule of Twenty20 cricket, particularly with the June T20 World Cup. That being said, purists who enjoy the fair competition it usually creates between bat and ball are happy to see the red-ball format of the game return.
Currently ranked first and second in the World Test Champions (2023–25) points table, respectively, are the previous editions’ finalists, Australia and India. The Asian powers lead in points percentage (68.52%), although the reigning champions are right behind them (62.50%). Despite a long break from Test cricket, both sides have managed to hold their places at the top.
With a 50% point percentage, New Zealand is ranked third. After losing to trans-Tasman rivals Australia 0–2 at home in February and March, they haven’t played in the Test format since.
ENG enter top four with four consecutive wins, PAK drop to 8th after first-ever defeat to Bangladesh
Prior to starting two consecutive Test assignments at home, England was ranked ninth in the points table, near the bottom of the league. Prior to defeating Sri Lanka in the opening Test earlier this week, the Three Lions were able to thrash the West Indies 3-0. England has jumped up to No. 4 with a points percentage of 41.07% thanks to their four straight victories. After losing to England in Manchester by five wickets, Sri Lanka is now ranked No. 5 with a 40% points percentage.
Also Read: The two-match Test series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand will resume on a rest day
On the points table, South Africa and the West Indies are ranked seventh and ninth, respectively. In their most recent two-match Test series, which took place in the Caribbean, the Proteas prevailed 1-0. With a paltry total of 18.52%, the West Indies are struggling compared to South Africa’s 38.89% points percentage.
Latest World Test Championship (WTC) Points Table 2023-2025 cycle:
Pos | Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Drawn | Points | PCT (%) |
1 | INDIA | 9 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 74 | 68.52 |
2 | AUSTRALIA | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 90 | 62.50 |
3 | NEW ZEALAND | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 36 | 50.00 |
4 | ENGLAND | 14 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 69 | 41.07 |
5 | SRI LANKA | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 24 | 40.00 |
6 | BANGLADESH | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 24 | 40.00 |
7 | SOUTH AFRICA | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 28 | 38.89 |
8 | PAKISTAN | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 22 | 30.56 |
9 | WEST INDIES | 9 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 20 | 18.52 |