ICC World Test Championship 2023-25: Analyzing the Impact of India’s Loss in Adelaide

New Delhi [India], December 9: As the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 enters its crucial phase, every match holds significant implications for teams vying for a spot in the final. After India’s 10-wicket loss to Australia in the second Test at Adelaide, the standings have shifted. Here’s an update on the current state of play:

1. Australia – 60.71% of Possible Points
   • Remaining matches: India (home, three Tests), Sri Lanka (away, two Tests)
   • Best possible finish: 67.65% Australia has fought hard for the top spot in the WTC standings, with their recent 10-wicket win over India pushing them to first place. Following a dip in form earlier, Australia now looks strong, with their Border-Gavaskar series tied at 1-1 and their upcoming series against Sri Lanka offering further opportunities to maintain a strong finish.
2. South Africa – 59.26% of Possible Points
   • Remaining matches: Sri Lanka (home, one Test), Pakistan (home, two Tests)
   • Best possible finish: 69.44% South Africa has made significant strides, securing a dominant victory over Sri Lanka to climb to second in the standings. With three critical home matches remaining, their strong form could see them secure a spot in the final.
3. India – 57.29% of Possible Points
   • Remaining matches: Australia (away, three Tests)
   • Best possible finish: 64.04% Despite a tough 10-wicket loss in Adelaide, India remains in the hunt for the final. They will need to win all three of their remaining Tests against Australia to stay in contention for a third consecutive appearance in the WTC final.
4. Sri Lanka – 50% of Possible Points
   • Remaining matches: South Africa (away, one Test), Australia (home, two Tests)
   • Best possible finish: 61.54% Sri Lanka’s hopes have been dented by a heavy loss in their first Test against South Africa, but they can still turn things around with a strong performance in the upcoming matches. The final series of the cycle could see them contend for the top two spots.
5. England – 45.24% of Possible Points
   • Remaining matches: New Zealand (away, one Test)
   • Best possible finish: 47.73% England’s momentum from a strong home season was halted by losses in Pakistan, and despite a good start against New Zealand, they are out of contention for the final.
6. New Zealand – 44.23% of Possible Points
   • Remaining matches: England (home, one Test)
   • Best possible finish: 48.21% New Zealand’s hopes of making the final were significantly weakened by heavy defeats to England. With a penalty for slow over-rates and their low point percentage, their chances of making the top two are effectively over.
7. Pakistan – 33.33% of Possible Points
   • Remaining matches: South Africa (away, two Tests), West Indies (home, two Tests)
   • Best possible finish: 52.38% Pakistan’s chances of making the WTC final are slim. Although they could theoretically finish with a higher point percentage, they are too far behind to make a serious push for the top two spots.
8. Bangladesh – 31.25% of Possible Points
   • Remaining matches: None
   • Best possible finish: 31.25% Bangladesh ends their campaign with a win over the West Indies, finishing the cycle on a high. However, their inconsistent results throughout the WTC cycle leave them with no chance of making the final.
9. West Indies – 24.24% of Possible Points
   • Remaining matches: Pakistan (away, two Tests)
   • Best possible finish: 35.90% West Indies has struggled with consistency throughout the cycle, but they will look to finish strong in their remaining matches against Pakistan. However, their chances of reaching the final are slim.

As the final phase of the WTC 2023-25 cycle approaches, the battle for the top two spots intensifies, with Australia, South Africa, and India in the most favorable positions, while others like New Zealand and Pakistan are out of the race.