WTC Standings After the Ashes: A New World Order in Test Cricket
The dust has barely settled on a riveting Ashes series in Australia, but the reverberations are already being felt across the WTC standings. The 4-1 series win by the home side wasn’t just a trophy for the cabinet—it was a powerful statement that has reshaped the battle for the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in 2027.
For England, the tour down under ended in familiar frustration, cementing their position as perennial contenders who just can’t seem to cross the finish line. But for India, a team that had a pulsating, series-drawing tour of England in 2025, the Aussies’ dominance over the English might just be the break they needed.
Table of Contents
- Australia Consolidates the Top Spot
- England Slips Further in WTC Standings
- India’s Path to the WTC Final
- Who Else is in the Hunt?
- Conclusion: The Race is On
Australia Consolidates the Top Spot
There’s a reason Australia is the king of the cricketing hill, and their performance in the Ashes has only reinforced their dominance. With a commanding 4-1 series win, the Aussies have not just defended the urn; they’ve solidified their position at the summit of the WTC standings with a near-perfect Points Percentage (PCT) of 87.50 .
Having won all 8 of their Tests in the current 2025-2027 cycle so far, Australia is in a league of its own. Their ruthless efficiency at home has sent a clear message to every other Test nation: if you want to be the best, you have to beat them on their own turf. This incredible run has made them the overwhelming favorites to book their place in the next WTC final.
England Slips Further in WTC Standings
While Australia soars, England’s fortunes in the WTC standings continue a worrying downward trajectory. The 4-1 loss in the Ashes has left Ben Stokes’ side languishing in 7th place on the table . This is a significant blow to their hopes of qualifying for their first-ever WTC final.
Despite their exciting, high-octempo brand of “Bazball” cricket that brought them a thrilling 2-2 draw against India on home soil in 2025 , their inability to replicate that success away from home remains their Achilles’ heel. Their away record, particularly in Australia, has once again proven to be their downfall, leaving their qualification path looking increasingly narrow and difficult.
India’s Path to the WTC Final
This is where things get interesting for Team India. Sitting in 6th place, the Men in Blue are very much alive in the race . While their position isn’t ideal, England’s slide has opened up a critical gap that India can now exploit.
India’s schedule for the remainder of the cycle is packed with opportunity. They have a full 18 Tests to play, including key series against strong opponents . To make a serious push for the top two, they will need to be dominant at home and find a way to be more competitive in away conditions. The blueprint for success is there: their ability to draw a tough series in England proves they have the skill and resilience. Now, they need to convert draws into wins and capitalize on every chance that comes their way.
For Indian fans, the message is clear: every Test from here on out is a must-win.
Who Else is in the Hunt?
It’s not just a three-horse race. The WTC 2025-2027 cycle is proving to be incredibly competitive, with several other teams making strong early statements.
- New Zealand: The perennial underdogs and two-time finalists are sitting comfortably in 2nd place. Their consistent, disciplined brand of cricket always makes them a tough opponent.
- South Africa: The Proteas have made a solid start to the cycle and currently hold the 3rd spot. Their powerful pace attack will be key to their success in the remaining fixtures.
- Sri Lanka: Don’t count out the Lions. They are in 4th place and have already shown they can win series at home, which will be crucial for their points tally .
With teams earning 12 points for a win, 6 for a tie, and 4 for a draw, every session of every Test match carries immense weight in the final reckoning . The qualification is determined by the Points Percentage System (PCT), which levels the playing field for teams that may play a different number of matches due to scheduling .
Conclusion: The Race is On
The Ashes series has fundamentally altered the landscape of the WTC standings. Australia is the clear benchmark, a fortress at the top that everyone else must aim to scale. England’s struggles have created a vacuum in the middle of the table, and it’s up to India, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka to fill it. For India, the opportunity is there for the taking. Their quest for a maiden WTC title just got a little more complicated, but also a lot more exciting. The race to Lord’s is officially heating up. For more on India’s upcoming challenges, check out our deep dive on their WTC 2025-27 schedule. You can also find the official, real-time points table on the ICC’s official website.
Sources
- Times of India, “WTC 2025-27 Points Table updated after Ashes series”
- Hindustan Times, “ICC WTC Points Table 2025-27 update: Australia dominate”
- Cricbuzz, “World Test Championship standings after the conclusion of the Ashes”
- International Cricket Council (ICC), “2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship”
- CricTracker, “World Test Championship (2025-2027) Points table”
- BBC Sport, “England men’s cricket results and fixtures 2025: The Ashes”
- Cricket.com, “India’s Full Schedule For WTC 2025-27”