The new World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle has begun with intense competition, with three Test series already impacting the early standings. While Australia and England have emerged as frontrunners, India and the West Indies are facing the challenge of catching up.
Currently, Australia and England hold the top two positions in the WTC table, both with a perfect points percentage of 100 after securing victories in their opening matches. Sri Lanka follows in third place after concluding their two-match series against Bangladesh with a win and a draw. Bangladesh, with a draw and a loss, currently sits in fourth position.
Meanwhile, South Africa, the reigning champions, along with New Zealand and Pakistan, are yet to commence their WTC campaigns in this cycle.
India's initial match did not proceed as anticipated, despite demonstrating resilience at Headingley. Despite featuring five centurions in the match, the team faced defeat as England executed a remarkable chase, gaining 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, with Joe Root and debutant Jamie Smith steering the chase to victory with an unbroken partnership. Team India was left to reflect on a middle-order collapse and missed catching opportunities, which ultimately proved costly.
Following the match, Shubman Gill acknowledged that India had opportunities but failed to capitalize on them. He mentioned that India aimed for a more substantial lead but were hindered by insufficient runs from the lower order.
India will now focus on the second Test at Edgbaston, aiming for a swift recovery to sustain their WTC campaign. As of now, they are positioned near the bottom of the table alongside the West Indies.
The current WTC cycle commenced with Sri Lanka’s tour of Bangladesh on June 17 and is scheduled to continue until the final in 2027.
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