Cricket
WTC Points Table Update After Australia Seal Ashes 4–1 With Sydney Test Win
Australia wrapped up the Ashes series in emphatic fashion, defeating England in the fifth and final Test at Sydney to clinch the contest 4–1. Chasing a modest target of 160 runs, the hosts completed the task with five wickets in hand, underlining their dominance throughout the series.
The victory further strengthened Australia’s position at the top of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 points table, as Pat Cummins’ side registered their seventh win in eight matches in the current cycle. With a Points Percentage (PCT) of 87.5, Australia now sit comfortably ahead of the rest of the field and have taken a significant step towards qualification for the WTC final in 2027.
Australia Tighten Grip on WTC Final Spot
Australia’s consistency across conditions has been the hallmark of their WTC campaign so far. Winning seven of their first eight matches gives them a substantial buffer, meaning they would need a dramatic slump in form for their final berth to come under serious threat. Their bowling attack has remained relentless, while their batting has delivered when it matters most—traits that continue to make them the benchmark Test side.
England’s WTC Struggles Continue
For England, the loss compounded an already difficult WTC cycle. The defeat marked their sixth loss in ten matches, leaving them stranded in seventh place on the table with a PCT of 31.66. Despite flashes of individual brilliance, England’s inconsistency—particularly away from home—has once again hurt their championship aspirations.
So far in the 2025–27 cycle, England have managed just three Test victories: two against India and one against Australia. Their margin for error is now extremely slim if they hope to remain competitive in the WTC race.
Mid-Table Battle Intensifies
Behind Australia, the race for the remaining WTC final spot is heating up:
- New Zealand sit second with a PCT of 77.78, benefitting from a strong start despite playing only three matches so far.
- South Africa occupy third place with a PCT of 75, remaining well in contention.
- Sri Lanka and Pakistan are positioned mid-table, with limited matches played but promising starts.
- India, led by Shubman Gill, find themselves in sixth place, having won four and lost four of their nine Tests. With a PCT of 48.15, India will need a strong run in upcoming series to re-enter the top-two conversation.
Updated WTC Points Table (After Sydney Ashes Test)
| Rank | Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Draws | Points | PCT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 84 | 87.5 |
| 2 | New Zealand | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 28 | 77.78 |
| 3 | South Africa | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 36 | 75 |
| 4 | Sri Lanka | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 16 | 66.67 |
| 5 | Pakistan | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 50 |
| 6 | India | 9 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 52 | 48.15 |
| 7 | England | 10 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 38 | 31.66 |
| 8 | Bangladesh | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 16.67 |
| 9 | West Indies | 8 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 4 | 4.17 |
Jacob Bethell’s Lone Resistance
Earlier on the final morning, Jacob Bethell provided England with a rare bright spot, scoring a valiant 154 runs in the second innings. His effort helped England stretch their lead to 159 runs before Mitchell Starc brought his innings to an end. England were eventually bowled out for 342, but the target proved insufficient on a surface that, while offering turn, remained largely batting-friendly.
England also felt the absence of specialist spinner Shoaib Bashir, as Australia’s batters handled the spin threat with composure. Despite some assistance for bowlers, conditions never became challenging enough to seriously threaten Australia’s chase.
Series Verdict
Australia were the superior side throughout the Ashes, excelling in both discipline and execution. The final 4–1 scoreline accurately reflects their dominance and further cements their status as frontrunners in the ongoing WTC cycle.