Explained: What are the current standings in the World Test Championship cycle, and what lies ahead for each team?

The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) table is at a fascinating stage as India and Australia are on top after winning some interesting series in the recent past. While India has a 68.51-point percentage, Australia is right below them with a 62.50-point percentage. Moreover, both teams can't be very happy about their position as New Zealand and Sri Lanka are sitting in third and fourth place, respectively, with a 50-point percentage. Before the WTC 2025, the table might turn as all the teams have several good series lined up for them in 2024. 

Let's discuss the current standings of each team along with what lies ahead for each team:

1. India

After winning the Test match against England on the home turf, 4-1, India attained first place. They started their World Test Championship cycle after defeating West Indies by 1-0. Moreover while playing against England, India lost the first match but came back really strong and defeated them in straight four Tests. After the T20 World Cup 2024, India will play a 2-match series against Bangladesh and a 3-match series against New Zealand, all at home. Then, they'll head to Australia to play a 5-match Test series. 

2. Australia

Australia are sitting right behind India in the points table after winning eight out of 12 games. They are having a great time but are just six points percentage away from the top spot. They are the defending champions and won a 3-match series against Pakistan which helped them climb up the points table. Their next series is against India and Sri Lanka and winning in these series will help them maintain their position or move up the order. 

3. New Zealand

The New Zealand team is finding it tough to get momentum in the WTC as they haven't had any great series so far. They won a series against South Africa at home and thus, climbed up the points table. Moreover, the Kiwis are yet to play against Sri Lanka, India and England which will decide their faith in the Test championship. 

4. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is in great form after winning a series against Bangladesh, 2-0. This particular series helped them get the fourth position in the points table. Moreover, they will be looking forward to play against New Zealand (2 Tests, home), England (3 Tests, away), South Africa (2 Tests, away), Australia (2 Tests, home). Sri Lanka has a great chance of qualifying for the Finals if they continue to play well. 

5. Pakistan

Pakistan played quality cricket against Sri Lanka and defeated them in their backyard by 2-.0. However, after battling hard against Australia, they lost all three matches which hampered their points. But they still have a chance to make a comeback in the championship as they are yet to play against Bangladesh (2 Tests, home), England (3 Tests, home), South Africa (2 Tests, away), West Indies (2 Tests, home). 

6. West Indies

With the win against Australia, West Indies made a solid start to the WTC cycle. However, due to their loss against India, they weren't able to climb up the table. They are yet to play series against England (3 Tests, away), Bangladesh (2 Tests, home), South Africa (2 Tests, home), Pakistan (2 Tests, away). Considering their team and form, if they can manage to make an impressive comeback, they might enter the finals. 

7. South Africa

The first half of the WTC cycle wasn't that great for South Africa as they lost three out of four matches. However, since they have teams like West Indies (2 Tests, away), Bangladesh (2 Tests, away), Pakistan (2 Tests, home), and Sri Lanka (2 Tests, home), coming their way, they have a strong chance of making a good comeback in the next half of the cycle. 

8. Bangladesh

Bangladesh's cycle started on a great note after winning against Afghanistan and New Zealand. However, their series defeat against Sri Lanka cost them a lot and they ended up in the eighth position. Nevertheless, they still have to play against India (2 Tests, away), Pakistan (2 Tests, away), South Africa (2 Tests, home), and West Indies (2 Tests, away), where they might win and make a comeback. 

9. England

After losing against India, 1-4, England are at the bottom of the points table with just three wins out of ten matches. They have to play against teams like West Indies (3 Tests, home), Sri Lanka (3 Tests, home), Pakistan (3 Tests, away), New Zealand (3 Tests, away) and if they manage to play quality cricket, they can hope to climb up the table. 

source: ICC