WTC Standings: Australia and England Dominate, India Eyes Comeback After Setback

WTC 2025-27: Australia and England Lead as India Seeks to Recover

The World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle has commenced with intense competition, with Australia and England emerging as early frontrunners. Meanwhile, India and West Indies are looking to improve their positions after facing setbacks in their initial matches.

Australia's captain Pat Cummins leads his team off the pitch after defeating West Indies.

Australia and England currently hold the top two spots in the WTC standings, both boasting a perfect 100% points percentage after securing victories in their opening games. Sri Lanka currently sit third after winning one and drawing another in their series against Bangladesh, who sit fourth.

Despite an admirable effort at Headingley, India's first match did not unfold as they had hoped. While the team had five centurions, they suffered a loss as England completed a dramatic chase, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-Test Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

England successfully chased down a target of 371, propelled by a strong opening partnership between Ben Duckett (149) and Zak Crawley. Joe Root and debutant Jamie Smith then guided the team to victory with an unbroken partnership. India's middle-order collapse and dropped catches were costly factors in the defeat.

Following the match, Gill acknowledged that India had opportunities but were unable to capitalize on them. He noted that the team had aimed for a more substantial lead, but a lack of runs from the lower order hampered their plans.

India is now directing its focus towards the second Test at Edgbaston, with the goal of rebounding swiftly and revitalizing their WTC campaign. Currently, they are positioned near the bottom of the table alongside the West Indies.

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