Despite facing a disappointing defeat in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, Australia have managed to retain their top spot in the latest ICC Test rankings. The ICC updated the team standings following South Africa’s historic triumph at Lord’s, which earned the Proteas their first major ICC trophy in nearly three decades.
Led by Pat Cummins, Australia went into the final as the number one ranked Test side and heavy favourites. However, they were comprehensively outplayed by a determined South African unit. Aiden Markram stole the show with a masterful century, while fast bowler Kagiso Rabada wreaked havoc with a nine-wicket match haul. Captain Temba Bavuma also contributed significantly, guiding the team with composed leadership in high-pressure moments.
Despite the setback, Australia’s consistent performance over the past two years ensured they stayed at the top of the Test rankings. With 123 rating points from 26 matches, they continue to lead the table. Their dominance across home and away series, especially their victories in the Ashes and against India, played a key role in maintaining their position.
South Africa, on the other hand, have reaped the rewards of their WTC final win. They leapfrogged England to move into second place in the rankings with 114 rating points from 22 matches. The Proteas gained three rating points from their win over Australia, which is notable since victories against the top-ranked side earn higher rating boosts. This performance signals a strong resurgence for South Africa in the red-ball format, with a young and dynamic core that seems ready to carry the legacy forward.
England now sit third with 113 rating points, just one behind South Africa. They will have the opportunity to climb back up the table when they face India in a highly anticipated five-match Test series starting June 20. Both teams are eyeing a strong start to the 2025–2027 WTC cycle.
India currently occupy the fourth spot, following a series of mixed results. They secured a whitewash over New Zealand at home but were unable to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia earlier in the year. With significant changes underway — including the retirement of stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket — a new era has begun under the leadership of Shubman Gill. India now looks to rebuild and aim for a fresh charge towards Test dominance.
Looking ahead, the Test landscape is poised for exciting shifts. Australia will begin their next red-ball assignment with a three-Test series against the West Indies starting June 25. South Africa are also set to tour Zimbabwe for a two-match series beginning June 28. As the new WTC cycle kicks off, every Test match will count toward qualification for the 2027 final — making consistency and away wins more crucial than ever.
With the rankings closely contested among the top four, and newer talents emerging across teams, the race for Test supremacy is wide open.
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