World Test Championship Scenarios Ahead of a Crucial Period

As the race to secure a spot in the 2025 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final heats up, teams are strategically positioning themselves in the standings. With several key series on the horizon, the upcoming period could determine which sides will battle it out at Lord’s next year. Here’s a closer look at where the top contenders stand.

1. India (68.52% possible points)

India, the two-time WTC finalists, lead the standings with 68.52% of possible points. After falling short in both the 2021 and 2023 finals, they are hungry to clinch their first WTC title. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India have won six of their nine matches in this cycle.

Their campaign started with a 1-0 series win over the West Indies, followed by a hard-fought 1-1 draw in South Africa. At home, India dominated England in a 4-1 series victory, showcasing their resilience against the “Bazball” approach. India still have 10 matches to play, including a five-Test series against Australia and home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand.

With half of their remaining games to be played at home, India are in a strong position to secure a spot in the final. However, their biggest test will come in the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar series against Australia, where the outcome could heavily impact both teams’ chances of making the final.

2. Australia (62.50% possible points)

Reigning champions Australia are second in the standings, with 62.50% of possible points. They have already showcased their dominance with a 2-2 draw against England, a 3-0 sweep over Pakistan at home, and a 2-0 win against New Zealand.

Australia’s remaining fixtures include a home series against India and an away series against Sri Lanka. While they have a strong squad, the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series will be pivotal in determining their path to the final. After losing the trophy to India for nearly a decade, Pat Cummins’ men will be eager to reclaim it and secure a second consecutive WTC final appearance.

3. New Zealand (50% possible points)

New Zealand, the inaugural WTC winners in 2021, have had a mixed campaign so far. With 50% of possible points, they are still in contention but will need strong performances in their remaining series to stay in the hunt. New Zealand’s victories include a 2-0 win over South Africa, but they fell short against Australia.

With tricky away series in Sri Lanka and India, followed by a home series against a resurgent England, the Kiwis face a tough road ahead. Their spinners will be crucial in their Asian tours, while smart tactics at home will be needed to outplay Ben Stokes’ England side.

4. Bangladesh (45.83% possible points)

Bangladesh have emerged as dark horses in this WTC cycle, currently sitting in fourth place with 45.83% of possible points. Their standout achievement was a historic 2-0 series win over Pakistan, their first ever against the side. However, losses to Sri Lanka at home have dampened their campaign.

With key series against India, South Africa, and West Indies on the horizon, Bangladesh still have a chance to push for a top-two finish. If they can continue their winning form, especially at home, a trip to Lord’s may not be out of reach.

5. Sri Lanka (42.86% possible points)

Sri Lanka’s impressive win against England in the third Test of their recent series has propelled them to fifth place with 42.86% of possible points. They have four home games remaining, which could be crucial in boosting their chances of making the final.

Their remaining fixtures include tough series against New Zealand and Australia, but with a spin-friendly home advantage, Sri Lanka could pull off some upsets and stake their claim for a WTC final spot.

 

Other Contenders

England (42.19% possible points) have an outside chance of qualifying but will need maximum points from their remaining six Tests against Pakistan and New Zealand. Similarly, South Africa (38.89% possible points) and Pakistan (19.05%) have slim chances but could still influence the standings through their upcoming fixtures.

 

The WTC race is wide open, and as teams battle it out in the coming months, every win, draw, and loss will play a crucial role in determining the finalists at Lord’s.