Team India scale up to number 1 spot in latest WTC standings after Australia’s massive win over Pakistan in Perth

India vs Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Australia have consolidated their fifth position in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table with a comfortable win over Pakistan in the first Test of the ongoing three-match series. Consequently, after getting humbled by a massive 360 runs through the hands of the home side, Team India scale up to the number 1 spot in the latest WTC standings.

All-rounder Mitchell Marsh’s all-round performance and David Warner’s century played pivotal roles in Australia’s commanding 360-run win at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Despite the notable success, Australia maintains its fifth position in the ICC WTC points table, but their points percentage has risen from 30 to 41.67%. Simultaneously, Pakistan’s points percentage, however, dropped from 100 to 66.67% following their first defeat in the new WTC cycle.

Moreover, New Zealand and Bangladesh jointly occupy the third position, each with a 50% points share. West Indies and England follow in the sixth and seventh spots, respectively. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are yet to secure any points in this cycle, while South Africa prepares for their inaugural two-match Test series in the WTC 2023-25 cycle.

Multiple changes anticipated in the WTC points table before the conclusion of 2023

The conclusion of 2023 is expected to bring significant changes to WTC points table, with two crucial Test matches set to kick off on December 26. The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground is set to host the Boxing Day Test match between Pakistan and Australia, while South Africa will face off against India at SuperSport Park. The outcomes of these matches are poised to have a substantial impact on the overall standings.

Although Pakistan and India currently lead the standings, Australia and South Africa will benefit from the home advantage in these upcoming Test matches. India’s recent away Test series loss to South Africa with a 1-2 score adds an element of unpredictability, while Pakistan faces the challenge of not having won a Test on Australian soil in recent times. However, it is expected both India and Pakistan will strive to defy the odds by securing victories in their respective Boxing Day Test matches.