WTC 2023-25 Points Table has turned upside down following two incredible results that took place in riveting Test matches between India-England and Australia-West Indies on Sunday. West Indies scripted history at the Gabba as they won a Test match in Australia after 27 years.
Their young pace bowling sensation, Shamarh Joseph was at the heart of the 8-run win over the Aussies. Australia failed to chase down a 216-run target, courtesy of a sensational spell of 7 for 68 in 11.4 overs.
Steve Smith tried his best to take Australia home, playing as a lone warrior. However, he was left stranded on 91 off 146 balls as Australia lost all ten wickets with 7 runs short of the target. Shamarh Joseph produced a spell for the ages- one that will be remembered for a long long time.
Notably, this is Australia’s third Test loss in their 10 outings in the ongoing ICC WTC Cycle. However, despite the loss, Australia still finds itself at the top of the points table. They have played 10 games, winning 6, losing 3 and 1 draw. Australia boast of overall, 66 points. Having said that, their PCT has dropped from 61.11 to 55.
West Indies, on the other hand, moved one up to seventh position. They have secured their first win in the WTC cycle with a PCT of 33.33.
Ollie Pope-Tom Hartley Headlined England’s Victory
On the same day, another shocking Test result took place in India. Ollie Pope headlined England’s win in the first Test of the five-match series in Hyderabad. He played a stunning 196-run knock in England’s second innings. Much like Joseph, Ollie Pope’s knock was one to remember.
Despite wickets falling, Pope played spin to perfection. He dominated the Indian spinners and made them pay when he was dropped twice after reaching his ton. His knock helped England give India a target of 231 to win the Test match.
India succumbed under pressure and was dismissed for 202, resulting in a 28-run loss. Tom Hartley bowled a memorable spell of 7 for 62 runs, helping England scripted one of the greatest wins in Test cricket.
WTC 2023-25 Points Table Changes After India and Australia’s Losses
The Test loss has come as a major blow for India as far as the World Test Championship points table is concerned. They have slipped from number five to number two in the rankings. In 5 matches, they have only managed to secure 2 wins and suffered 2 losses. They have overall, 26 points, and a PTC of 43.33.
Despite the win, England still find themselves at number eight spot with a PCT of 29.16. They lost 19 points due to over-rate penalties. South Africa has reached the second spot with a PCT of 50, followed by the likes of New Zealand (50) and Bangladesh (50).
Pakistan is currently sitting at the sixth spot (36.66), while Sri Lanka sit at the bottom with 2 losses in 2 games.
Read More: Gabba Breach & Australia’s Fall To Nemesis of Shamar Joseph
